A Messy Breakup (Private)

by **Mervay** » Tue Jun 22, 2021 9:43 pm

Kyrenaia wrote:Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
I did not know, that Callista found my little Altinyarat-Palace fancy from the outside, but I knew, that she would love the inside. Or, I hoped, rather.
That was a little, vain part of my mind, which was banished to the back of my head as I stood in front of the citadel and main living building. The motorcade passed the first curtain wall, through the office spaces, then through the second and into the private main living area.
While most of the escort had left them by the second gate, the remainder broke off now, towards the repurposed stables, and left the limousine alone and in front of the main staircase.
Six men of the Tabardariyya stood at attention, a small guard of honour, their large axes shouldered, another six Handmaidens standing at the ready for their cues.
One of the Tabardariyya, though this one without the axe, opened the door for Callista and she looked as smart and beautiful (and a little bit sexy) as back in Octobre, during the state visit.
The court photographer began making his pictures, especially as the tall man in armour offered his hand to Callista to aid her with leaving the car. He would make his snapshots of our meeting, where I would smile and laugh, before we would go inside.
Sarina, standing behind me with a tray and two glasses of water in a gesture familiar to Callista, would be the only witness to that, aside from Callista's 'handmaidens'.
I knew, that she had them along and that they were, just like mine, more then just servants.

Gallery, Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica.
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad.
I smiled and nodded. “It is alright.”, I said and turned back to the duel, “If I would have received a Barqa for every time I was late during my reign because of worries in matters of state, I would be able to buy the UIS wholesale...”
...thus ending this entire issue with little problems.
But that was not the point. He was right, this was a beautiful place, the reason why I had him take the route through the garage, the duel between the two experts on the blade, however, was another reason.
Of course, Aynur used the Lasite Type 4 Sabres, a testament to her heritage as a woman from the mountains, which, a long time ago, had been beset by bandits with flaming red hair. Dschamilla, on the other hand, wielded Jalidi Sabres, long blades with a vicious spike, which had been used to crack armours.
One should note, that the blades barely met as both women were like whirlwinds of steel, Aynur being on the offensive with a broad stroke, followed by a twirl into a slash down from up above. Dschamilla dodged, rolled to the left, where Aynur's cover was wide open and jumped up from the ground in an explosion of energy out into a vicious attack.
Now, Aynur was on the defensive, folding her right knee to dodge a swing at her head.
Now inside of Dschamilla's defense, she tried to ram the handle of her sabre into Dschamilla's stomach, but the other woman was clever, one heard the muffled thump of the pommel hitting armour.
Dschamilla grinned as she brought her other blade down.
Aynur was rolling forward before she knew, what was happening. The redhead now had her back to us, forcing her opponent to look into our direction – for but a brief moment, she noticed me and, if I were correct, Prince Pandereos.
Aynur used the moment for a relentless attack, forced Dschamilla back, into dodging and – finally – the characteristic ring of two swords meeting sounded as Dschamilla had to block, both swords crossed over her head, Aynur's sabre between them.
And a moment later, she had Aynur's fist in her stomach's armour.
The younger woman broke, stumbled back slightly, enough for Aynur to finish her off by ripping her feet out under her. Dschamilla fell and had the tip of Aynur's blade at her throat but a moment later.
I applauded politely.
“You still lack focus.”, the older Ilkhana said in English, “Wouldn't you agree, Prince Pandereos?”
Meanwhile, a Handmaiden came forward, offering glasses of water to both the guests, myself and the two combatants. Drinking was important in this heat, but I was just as much looking forward to the reply of the young Prince.

Callista IV of Mervay
Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond
Their escorts broke off at the second gate as soon as the limo entered the private area, the remaining vehicles escorting her until they were at the main gate, six handmaidens and six agents of the Tabardariyya at the doors as Aurelia stood there, beautiful as always and certainly happy to see her. Soon the doors opened and from there she got out, an agent of the Tabardariyya opening the door for her and offering his hand to help her get out of the vehicle.
She smiled at the man while nodding her head on an thank you before she finally got out, her agents behind her with her baggage and theirs, which as as soon as out of the vehicle took a few off their hands and had it on her hands; she wasn't going to leave without making sure her friend was alright after all!! The photographer taking photos of this whole event and for sure this was all for the press to see later.

As soon as she got in front of the Princess, Agus noticed how Aurelia's loyal handmaiden had with her a tray with two glasses; she smiled to herself at amusement as to that being the first time they finally met the other, such little detail added a lot.

"It's very clear that you did made quite the show for what is an private visit." She said showing mock anger before laughing at that with an warm grin on her face as she looked at the Princess. "Just kidding..." The Queen sighed fondly before looking at Aurelia at the eyes.

"Long time no see, Aurelia."

Pandareos III of Mervay
Gallery, Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica
The Prince chuckled at that while his attention never moved away from the duel; that would had saved everyone problems and yet presented an new can of them to deal. Who would had thought than a place the woman besides him and many others considered an temple of days past would show it's importance in geopolitics, influence and location at such moment? That was certainly an discussion for another time or later down the line. For now, the duel was all what caught his interest.
A battle which seemed with no clear victor even if the Princess was on the defensive for a moment, both of them on an stalemate until the Flower of Fenchu gained an advantage which switched the roles; it was all going well so far. The Ilkhana tried to ram the handle of her sabre against Dschamilla's armour, but the silver haired woman certainly gained her on that idea as she did the same trick, it all seemed to end as the Princess brought her blades down, yet; it didn't. Instead, she just let her guard open for her rival to recover and before everyone noticed, she had her rival looking at their spectators, eye contact was made between the two of them if he was right; that was all Aynur needed to gain again the control and be on the offensive as the two masters of the blade fought against each other for one last time before Dschamilla was stumbled slightly, but that was the killing blow as the Ilkhana ripped her feet and made her fall against the floor; an blade on the Princess throat.

Luci politely applauded as well, it was certainly; interesting to say the least. The Ilkhana of Megido asked at him, long aware of his presence between the small crowd; he grabbed a glass of water and had a sip before answering, nodding before saying his words.

"That is pretty much correct, Lady Aynur." The white haired Prince said. "She lost her focus the moment she lowered her guard and you made her see our presence; which in turn gave you the possibility to retake control and win the duel." He took the rest of the water before he handed it back to the tray, stepping foward to where the two women where with an slight smile.

"But; like the old proverb, we can all learn of our mistakes and we can improve upon them." He then looked at Dschamilla with a kind smile. "I have no doubt that she will learn of it quickly and correct it." The Prince finished before looking back at the Ilkhana and then back at the Princess; taking his hand to his heart he bowed in respect, a warm and polite smile on his face as he did so.

"It is a pleasure to meet you two." The Prince straightened up to then look at the two of them with an grin.

by **Kyrenaia** » Wed Jun 23, 2021 1:00 pm

Mervay wrote:Callista IV of Mervay
Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond
Their escorts broke off at the second gate as soon as the limo entered the private area, the remaining vehicles escorting her until they were at the main gate, six handmaidens and six agents of the Tabardariyya at the doors as Aurelia stood there, beautiful as always and certainly happy to see her. Soon the doors opened and from there she got out, an agent of the Tabardariyya opening the door for her and offering his hand to help her get out of the vehicle.
She smiled at the man while nodding her head on an thank you before she finally got out, her agents behind her with her baggage and theirs, which as as soon as out of the vehicle took a few off their hands and had it on her hands; she wasn't going to leave without making sure her friend was alright after all!! The photographer taking photos of this whole event and for sure this was all for the press to see later.

As soon as she got in front of the Princess, Agus noticed how Aurelia's loyal handmaiden had with her a tray with two glasses; she smiled to herself at amusement as to that being the first time they finally met the other, such little detail added a lot.

"It's very clear that you did made quite the show for what is an private visit." She said showing mock anger before laughing at that with an warm grin on her face as she looked at the Princess. "Just kidding..." The Queen sighed fondly before looking at Aurelia at the eyes.

"Long time no see, Aurelia."

Pandareos III of Mervay
Gallery, Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica
The Prince chuckled at that while his attention never moved away from the duel; that would had saved everyone problems and yet presented an new can of them to deal. Who would had thought than a place the woman besides him and many others considered an temple of days past would show it's importance in geopolitics, influence and location at such moment? That was certainly an discussion for another time or later down the line. For now, the duel was all what caught his interest.
A battle which seemed with no clear victor even if the Princess was on the defensive for a moment, both of them on an stalemate until the Flower of Fenchu gained an advantage which switched the roles; it was all going well so far. The Ilkhana tried to ram the handle of her sabre against Dschamilla's armour, but the silver haired woman certainly gained her on that idea as she did the same trick, it all seemed to end as the Princess brought her blades down, yet; it didn't. Instead, she just let her guard open for her rival to recover and before everyone noticed, she had her rival looking at their spectators, eye contact was made between the two of them if he was right; that was all Aynur needed to gain again the control and be on the offensive as the two masters of the blade fought against each other for one last time before Dschamilla was stumbled slightly, but that was the killing blow as the Ilkhana ripped her feet and made her fall against the floor; an blade on the Princess throat.

Luci politely applauded as well, it was certainly; interesting to say the least. The Ilkhana of Megido asked at him, long aware of his presence between the small crowd; he grabbed a glass of water and had a sip before answering, nodding before saying his words.

"That is pretty much correct, Lady Aynur." The white haired Prince said. "She lost her focus the moment she lowered her guard and you made her see our presence; which in turn gave you the possibility to retake control and win the duel." He took the rest of the water before he handed it back to the tray, stepping foward to where the two women where with an slight smile.

"But; like the old proverb, we can all learn of our mistakes and we can improve upon them." He then looked at Dschamilla with a kind smile. "I have no doubt that she will learn of it quickly and correct it." The Prince finished before looking back at the Ilkhana and then back at the Princess; taking his hand to his heart he bowed in respect, a warm and polite smile on his face as he did so.

"It is a pleasure to meet you two." The Prince straightened up to then look at the two of them with an grin.

Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
"Indeed, Callista, too long.", I replied warmly. Sarina came forward, offered the two of us glasses and I took one, Callista being offered the other. "A lot has happened, too..."
I sighed. Far too much has happened.
And then I decided to go fuck-all and went in to hug Callista. I hoped, that if we released any image of this, it looked like one friend hugging another, if only for Marcella...
But anyay, I smiled as I released Callista.
"How was the trip?", I asked with a smile returning to my lips, "Hopefully not too harsh? Wanna grab a bite, it's around midday anyway."

Gallery, Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica.
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad.
"She...", Dschamilla said with bemusement, "...has lost often enough against her, that she should have learned all of her tricks by now, but she keeps coming up with more."
Aynur chuckled. "Indeed. A creative mind is a victorious mind.", she countered. Dschamilla smiled. Aynur continued, sheathing her sword: "In any case, young man, the pleasure is ours." She bowed her head lightly, Dschamilla repeating the gesture, albeit a bit deeper then the older Ilkhana. "I did hear, that you were a fencer yourself, so I would be very glad to swap stories at dinner. But before that..." Aynur looked to me. "...I'm afraid, that you'll have business to attend."
"As the old proverb says...", Dschamilla added, her own swords sliding into their sheathes, "...work first, then pleasure." She smiled at Pandereos a lot warmer then Aynur did, although her smile wasn't cold either. It was... unusual to see her with such a smile, but not unwelcome. "See you then?"

by **AHSCA** » Wed Jun 23, 2021 5:06 pm

Addressed to Jellal Fernandes, Ambassador of Cartoonia to AHSCA,

Honorable Ambassador,

Please do pardon the lateness of my response to you. As you can imagine, things are quite busy around here but that said I'm glad you decided to reach out to me on behalf of The Honorable Kudo. I would be glad to have an audience with you at your convenience. You may be aware, I'm also intending to meet with the Chancellor of Mervay soon enough so I'm sure I can fit you in afterward. My security staff shall escort you here.

I look forward to our meeting,

Duchess Marcella Villa

by **Mervay** » Wed Jun 23, 2021 11:40 pm

Callista IV of Mervay
Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond
"Please call me Agus, I'm on an personal travel after all!" Agus grinned as she grabbed her glass, drinking it before putting back in the tray. She then joined in her sigh as well; not wishing to remember what happened.

"Don't tell me, who would had thought what was something personal would escalate to such a standoff." Agus really wished to tell her how everything was going under as the firsts sparks were beginning to show. Yet, she didn't. She was however, caught off guard by Aurelia's hug, being startled. "H-hey!" She said surprised, before sighing fondly and hugging her back. Caressing her as she smiled kindly. As soon as they got off, she smiled fondly at her friend.

"The trip itself was fine thankfully, yet I do have stories to tell you of what went over it." She said, sighing a bit tired at remembering that. "It was kind of exhausting regarding meetings and all..." The Queen lightened up at the mention of dinner, grinning wide at the idea.

"Yup, I was looking foward to have lunch with you, I haven't eaten since leaving Asteria."

Pandareos III of Mervay
Gallery, Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica
There was clear bemusement in the Princess words as she said that, countered by the Ilkhana's answer in the same friendly tone; they did certainly had fun.
He smiled at them as they bowed back at him, noticing how Dschamilla bowed a bit deeper than the Ilkhana on that regard. He smiled as Lady Aynur spoke of her knowing she was an fencer, nodding in confirmation at that, wishing to confirm he would be delighted to but alas, the old proverb the Princess of Fenchu said was true; he can focus on the socializing aspect as soon as he has everything on rule regarding the UIS situation.

He noticed Dschamilla's smile at him, it was... Unusual from what he heard of her, it was an warm and beautiful smile which made him slightly blush before he controlled himself; giving back an warm smile at her and Lady Aynur.

"Until then." He grinned back, looking foward to the dinner with the two woman as soon as the talks with the Sultana ended. Pandareos then looked to The Sultana politely asked.

"So, Sultana. Shall we go to whoever you had planned for us to discuss this peculiar predicament regarding the nation you once were allies with?"

by **Abetton** » Thu Jun 24, 2021 6:17 pm

Castle Liek - Abetton

Linely Latimer, Crowned Prince of Abetton, Heir to the Throne, a young gentleman among gentleman, still any number of years away from that, didn't mean he didn't have an interest in the going ons of the world, especially what was happening in their own backyard of Greater Dienstad. Right now, much of the regional buzz was around the Craxx Empire something Abetton was rather sleeping on but that was okay, let their neighbors get it, they had a colony already but things could change. But anyway, Craxx might be eating up a lot of attention in the region a smaller story was grabbing a few headlines in a few nations, but here in was buried a few pages in of the newspaper. Yeah that's right, Abetton hasn't lost a taste of the old ways, including the old black and white and read all over sheets of yesteryear. Er anyway, buried in the international news section was this little kurffule with AHSCA and Kyrenaia.

Frankly, both nations were blips on Abetton's radar, but Kyrenaia especailly. Nothing against them really, just they never had the pleasure and yeah AHSCA still regarded as backwater to many in Abetton's politics, even the king felt there was little time to worry about them, beyond the fact Abetton did have a fair few citizen in diaspora from the UIS, residents who settled before, during and after their war for independence. They certainly were both tourist hubs for each other, frankly, why didn't they interact more? Linely couldn't be sure, again beyond greater attitudes of the older ministers of his father's court. Reading that paper lead to another paper, and another until finally he was getting online to seek more answers.

Morning had just as quickly turned to afternoon as lunch time rolled around and his young valet Shaun entered his chamber to bring his meal. "Milord, it's lunch time if you feel like eating."

"Oh so it is." Linely responded and yeah it was getting onto about one o'clock now. Shaun set his plate down next to him, "Milord, I've noticed you've been really invested in something today, may I inquire?"

"Oh" Linely shuffled around the papers to make room for his plate. "It's this situation going on with the UIS, you know of them right?"

"Yes, Milord I do, but only surface level knowledge, I don't really know much about the country."

"Just apparently they're in the middle of some kind of diplomatic uuh not sure I want to call it crisis but the media seems to play it like one."

"I suppose the papers do anything for headlines. What about?"

"Well four years ago," Linely sat back looking at Shaun straight on, this was something he knew just from his studies on geography, history, world affairs, foreign intelligence and so on, anything a future monarch should know. "They entered a bilatteral agreement with the Sultanate of Kyrenaia. Know of them?"

"Afraid I do not, Milord."

Shaun had a seat at behest of Linely motioning him to take a moment to sit and chat a while. "Well Kyrenaia is a rather formidable Sultanate in the Strategic Economic Alliance, rather big player by the sound of it. SEA does have a lot of nations in it and plenty of military influence. I'd say they'd rival GD any day of the week. Not that you should fret about that, it's simply a comparison."

"I see, Milord."

"Anyway so it seems they've broken relations, The Duchess Villa of AHSCA hasn't really said why but the Sultana of Kyrenaia says or at least is saying through her foreign ministry it's in regards to the Duchess and Princess relationship with each other."

Linely had actually found Marcella quite attractive and he could say the same about the desert Princess Aurelia, frankly a marriage to either would be great but only if things truly didn't work out between them somehow and if either of them wanted to. Well no time to worry about that now. "Well it seems there's a lot of tense back and forth going on now with a lot of nations taking notice."

"Why might that be, Milord, alliances like these are made and broken often, are they not?"

"Astute, Shaun, very astute, but there's a few more players in this beyond the Sultanate and UIS. There's another nation like the Imperium of Astares Amauricanum, the Kingdom of Mervay, the Empire of Brettenwald, the state of Lamoni, The PUF of Mokastana, most if not all of them have something to gain, a wide vast open route of sea travel, in the case of the Imperium," Linely moved over to his globe pointing to the wide area from Abetton to the UIS and beyond and continued, "they have territory, a bunch of small islands they grabbed. Some were occupied by small native clusters others not, some were used by the UIS for various purposes others just rocks on the sea. On top of that, there's a fair few deposits in the region, gas, oil, minerals, fish, this is a pretty rich part of the region. And notorious for fickle weather. Added to all that, a fast route to the south pole, the edge of our very globe." Of course that 'edge' was metaphorical, not in the flat earth sense. "The cherry atop this layered cake, the old military base being left behind with the withdrawal of Kyrenaia"

"Milord, I must say you would be a fine teacher if you weren't already Prince."

"Ahah thanks, but I have good teachers of my own to thank. Though I suppose if for some reason my sister grabs my title there's always that. Anyway, this whole mess has been occupying me this morning and now into the noon hours. We're closer than we like to think to AHSCA, we're practically a stone's throw by ship, compared to her other allies of the region, well except Lamoni I think they might edge us out on nearness. So what happens is bound to effect us in some way or another."

"Well surely His Highness the King would take note."

"I would think father would but at the same time, father tends to think the way of his ministers, this is some insignificant archipelago, hardly worth our time beyond squeezing a few tourist dollars out of a few yokels but I think we may have more in common than we think. Even with the Sultanate, I'm sure we'd find common ground."

"Well you wouldn't think this could lead to war?"

"I wouldn't think so, that'd be a real extreme for this. There are rumors abound in the press that the Duchess may have insulted the Sultana. But I have to imagine she'd have a thick enough skin to not care about it. Still maybe we can do a little something to douse the fires here. couldn't hurt to throw a little flattery around right?"

"I suppose not, Milord."

"Than I shall get to writing."

"That's well, Milord but please eat first."

"Ah yes, first thing after lunch."

An Open Letter to the Parties Involved,

Ladies and Gentlemen, Elected Officials, Monarchs and Magistrates, lend me your time and attention for a few moments as I hope to address this ongoing situation within the United Island States of AHSCA and the Sultanate of Kyrenaia. Abetton has been made aware of this situation, and while I cannot attest to the exact facts of the situation I only offer my own two Flora on this matter. Now being a member of Greater Dienstad, AHSCA is a neighbor, and Abetton believes in being neighborly and helping a nation in a time of need. This may not be a great need but we feel it's worth giving some attention to. I understand that the Duchess may have acted a little rash in terminating relations but naturally the Duchess only wants what is best for her people, and her country. No doubt the scars of their bloody fight for their rights of independence and self determination linger on to this day, perhaps enough to maybe cloud the judgement of Her Royal Highness the Duchess. Now I do hate to put to much stock in gossip that reports The Duchess lost composure and insulted the Sultana, but assuming this matter to be true, let us all be reasonable and remember we are human (or the likeness thereof) and sadly we can all be prone to a slippage of our tongues from time to time.

A young woman of talent and beauty of hers I'm certain would do her best to find mediation before escalation on this matter, I can only assume there must be a greater reason for this sudden ending of relations. Of course the stories have been abound of her desires to be with The Princess Aurelia, and of course relations between different houses of different royal dynasties are always long and complicated. We understand how difficult a position the Sultana is in to ensure a steady line within her nation to continue the great reach of Kyrenaia for generations to come. Princess Aurelia a fine young Princess who has been working tirelessly to better the society of Kyrenaia in whichever way she can, we know not all her movements have been popular, sometimes the price of progress is a tough road to ride.

Other nations are taking a keen interest in the UIS right now, proving the UIS does not have to yell for respect for she already commands respect of her neighbors and nations from beyond our waters in Greater Diestad. The great Kingdom of Mervay wants to mediate the situation, see that cooler heads prevail. The respectable Lamoni is continuing its watch over its nearby neighbor. Meanwhile The Empire of Brettenwald and Kyrenaia are working to maintain order in the vast open seas of Southern Greater Dienstad, even as non members of the World Assembly, both upholding the values instilled in some of the resolutions; to protect shipping and trade from thieves and other near-do-wells. Cartoonia also wishes the best for it's friend and is also keeping on the lookout.

We are sure the Imperium of Astares Amauricanum is working to act in accordance with respect of the nations of GD and the UIS, after all they approached the Good Duchess about claiming the Matildas Islands nearby, how easy would it have been for them to simply steamroll over and grab whatever was in their way? I cannot speak of their intentions, motives or such without being able to talk to them myself, but without any show of aggression I'm not immediately inclined to believe there's any mal intent going on right now.

Now I should address the lingering issue, that is the former military station occupied by the Sultanate. Now I'm writing rather informally as the Crowned Prince of Abetton, so I cannot speak to our nation's intent to seek it or not, only my opinion. Remember a slab of land is a slab of land. Whomever gets it, will get a nice little outpost to call their own but there's no reason to go crazy over it, anymore than the presence of the established Mokastana base in the UIS.

In the end, all I am really trying to say is, let cooler heads prevail, let us all reason together. There's no need to let this get anymore out of control. I'm not assuming the worse of anybody I've addressed in this letter, I'm only trying to be a good neighbor to our neighbors and the rest of the world. I'm sure one day, whether sooner or later, the Sultanate and UIS will put this squabble aside and rekindle the friendship they forged a few short years ago, I'm sure when all things cool down in good time.

Of course I'm just one Prince in a sea of thousands. I understand if you feel I'm in no place to understand the wider world, especially with a fair many of you leaders having more years of experience than I do, you can discard this letter if you wish, I just wanted to give my own thoughts on this matter.

Sincerely Yours,

Prince Linely Lampsea Latimer
Crowned Prince of Abetton
24 June 2021

by **AHSCA** » Mon Jun 28, 2021 7:56 pm

Utica, The Sultanate of Kyrenaia

A young lady sporting a pair of stylish shades, a nice black top that cut off at the shoulders, long brown hair a leafy green bow atop her head sat down at a street cafe enjoying a cup of coffee and reading the local paper. Her name, Iris-Francis Jeane, a naturalized citizen of AHSCA, as a result patriotic as can be. Plucked from the candidates of the three branches of AHSCA's military to form the new Shadow Knights, AHSCA's new intelligence gathering agency. Right now a handful of operatives were in the Sultanate having done a bit of a hopscotch way of getting in, legally obviously but instead of straight from the UIS they passed through a few countries first. Partly just the speed of getting there, can't exactly get to spying quickly when you're on a boat going 10 knots.

The papers were all over this messy affair between the two former allies, opinion pieces, news stories, reliable, tabloid gossip it really was all over the place. They also had a few unknown superiors here, somewhere, they only knew what they were told. Sitting down with her, her comrade in arms, Faria Yuki, a native Stillestando born female, married to an Aurora Man and now operating in the shadows. She was actually a Scarlett Knight beforehand but now was finding herself going from red to black, metaphorically speaking anyway. "I.F. Good morning." She sat down with her across. "Sooo what news of the papers bring us today?" Faria asked her comrade

"Mmm more of the same, really." I/F. Said tossing aside yet another morning paper she picked out. "Don't think we're going to get much that Miladies can't get back at home through the usual public channels."

"Well our assignment is our assignment. We're just here to watch and listen" Faria replied.

"We are but something's up." I.F. leaned back in her chair a moment and leaned in again.

"What makes you say that?" Faria questioned.

"This slid in under my hotel room door, this morning. You get one too?" I.F. held a simple index card, seemingly blank.

"I did but it's just a blank card?"

"Still a rookie. Smell it."

Taking an inhale of the scent on the card, there was a particularly strong scent of lotus flower, native to AHSCA for sure, not so sure about the parched desert lands of Kyrenaia.

"Smells of lotus flowers. So we're being tagged. By whom?"

"Friendly I'm sure, I wouldn't worry, if it was a threat, they'd kill us already. But without details, all I can assume is, they'll find us."

"Then we go down our chain of command to our others. Understood."

"So, sit, wait with me. Anything you want to share?"

"About our mission?"

"Or life in general I guess."

"Papers all say the same, oh wise Sultana did the right thing. Poor Marcella should be pitied. Backwater islanders are so ungrateful. The usual. There's also a lot of rumblings about their little fireworks show when they blew their old base sky high up in Little Moka"

"I read about it, what do you make of it?"

"Honestly I can see both sides of the argument here. It could be as mundane as really ensuring their building designs don't ever fall into enemy hands, on the other hand, it could be about sending us a message."

"That's unnerving. Which is it, the message or the extra insurance? I mean how unique can military barracks be? They all seem pretty damn generic to me. Any state secrets like documents would be destroyed or carried back. Same with tech. "

"Guess our friendliness only carries us so far." She pulled out a pocket watch, it was getting onto mid morning now. They did shift to a little more casual talk while they waited as a young man now joined them at the table. "What are you doing here?" I.F. asked

The young man was yet another one of their comrades, Naofumi Wakana, technically apart of the paramilitary wing but unarmed here, just more to ideally get them out of a pinch, ideally if he can use his own two hands. The Knights were still new, small, still developing, there wasn't a lot of manpower to spare so for now some were likely going to crossover in duties for a bit.

"Same thing as you two are, I'm sure." He took his seat with them at the table peering through his own sunglasses flashing the same blank card as they all had. "Also see this?" Another newspaper, now brandishing the open letter from Abetton's Crowned Prince.

"Mmmm seems pretty generic all around, just trying to win favors from everyone without saying anything." I.F. said reading it over quickly.

"I agree but let's see what our contacts have to say about it, if anything. Might be right I.F. it might really be nothing to be worried about."

"Guess it's good to think of every thing." Faria said "Let's see what our field contact has to say."

by **Kyrenaia** » Tue Jun 29, 2021 1:24 am

Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Callista was quite smitten with the idea of lunch and so I motioned for her to follow me inside.
The Handmaidens and Tabardariyya waiting outside soon got to move in her furniture, she had a room in the Main Building, not too far from mine, her Handmaidens close to where Sarina had her room two floors below ours.
They were not exactly the largest or fanciest rooms, by no means even close to the rooms they had lived in at the Palace of the Azure Hall, but they were nice and comfortable. I had seen to it, that every guest room in my house had a large, fluffy sofa in it, so that one could relax there for a bit, something I knew was awesome from my own experience.
In any case, before we went there, Callista and I entered, trailed by her two servants (yeah, right...) and Sarina (same story here). Once the door closed, I smiled at my handmaiden and asked her, in Kyrenaian, to prepare a light salad for all of us, make it ready to be served in the dining room.
Sarina nodded and dragged the butler-like man off, shanghaiing him into helping her and as an aid in case someone had any food allergies or dislikes she should be aware of.
Alone with Callista and her last Handmaiden, I exhaled deeply.
My shoulders sagged and I was sure, that I, for a few moments, looked a lot older then I actually was.
“Is something wrong?”, Callista asked.
“Nothing. Everything.”, I said and gave a short laugh, “Imagine this... I was broken up with my girlfriend and the world worries, if and how my Grandmother will take revenge to insults suffered by Herself and by the nation.” I shook my head. “Sometimes I wonder, if it is all just a bad dream... and sometimes I wonder, what my mother would say...”
I looked at Callista. There must have been a certain forlornness and somberness in my eyes, for she went and put a hand on my shoulder, squeezed it softly.
“I do not know, what your mother would have said.”, she admitted, “But I know, that these past few days have been very stressful for us all – I can not imagine, how they must have been for you. Your heart was torn out of your chest and is buried under the heels of marching boots as everyone tries to secure a slice of the cake.”
“You included?”, I asked.
Callista was silent for a moment. “Mervay included, yes. I, on the other hand, worry about my friend.”, she made clear. I heard the unsaid I can separate between personal and state affairs, thank you very much., but I was too busy giving a small laugh. Callista, Agus, this would take a lot of getting used to, pressed on: “And my friend is hurting. Burying herself in her duties, all to forget her hurting heart.”
I supposed she was right.
I slowly nodded.
She took my hand. “Come, let's get seated while we wait for lunch.”
And off we were...
“The dining room is in that direction.”
...the wrong way around.
“Sorry, I forgot this was your house.”, Callista commented, clearly embarrassed by the small, but quickly forgotten slip-up.
I smiled as we entered, the Butler and Sarina setting up the last things for the five of us to eat. The two seemed to work well together and seemed to have fun, if the light smile of the Butler was any indication. Of course, he was also the only male in a room with four females, who, dare I say it, were physically quite attractive.
Granted, making a move on any of us would be quite a bold action, but that was not the point.
The dining room was a simple affair, a long table, chairs around it, a windowfront looking into a small garden, which was full of Kyrenaian Flowers. The former Grand Vizier Mahmut al-Zahir had aided me in hiring a competent gardener, so there was his little realm. Opposite to the windowfront was a series of sideboards.
The salad, which Sarina brought in, looked and was delicious, as we found out sitting on one end of the table. Aldhiyb joined us sometime over the course of the lunch, he remembered Callista and she remembered him, so the two reunited well, with headscratches for my loyal companion, who enjoyed them immensely. Sometime in, Callista and I double-teamed him and petted him from both sides, much to general amusement.
I had not laughed like that in quite a few days, maybe even weeks...

Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica.
Razia-Sultana Umm-Albilad.
“Yes, let's get to it.”, I spoke.
This peculiar predicament regarding the nation you once were allies with...
Kyrenaia still considered itself bound by the guarantees we had given, guaranteeing their independence and safety. The Astarians would, sooner or later, try to impede on that, for better or worse, and as things currently stood, we were out of the race for influence and power in the region... there were chances, how we could get back in, but that was another story.
For now, we had to get this mess over with – which would be difficult enough, if we wanted to get out of it well and in an advantageous position. I had my ideas and so had my Viziers.
Mediation by the Mervayans was but the first step.
It didn't take long until we entered a conference room, which was dominated by a large table with a dozen chairs around it. We would only need two. A pair of Handmaidens arranged glasses of water and carafes on the table, as well as biscuits.
I took one, nibbled on it, and took a moment to admire the fresco as I sat down near the head, and slim side of the table, so that Pandereos and I would sit closely together. The water and biscuits were arranged to that effect as well.
The fresco of this room showed a forest scene in Salalkubz, a panorama of a clearing in the colony with a Forest Wolf resting on a log, a Small Eagle sitting in a tree looking for prey worthy of his time and a lot of other animals, not all of them endemic to the colony, around as well. The forest itself was dense and dark, a bit foreboding.
I sat down into the comfortable leather chair and watched the Young Prince before me.

(Utica Herald, 26th of June, 2021, Available in Kyrenaian and English, the latter on the Internet Edition.)

In response to the Young Prince Linely Lampsea Latimer

I do not often bring my pen to paper these days in order to comment on the daily affairs of the world. My views are antiquated, my ways are ancient and I myself, who I can look back on a long time in service to the Sultanate, are old as well.
Still, Young Prince (and everyone else reading this), allow this fossil of an age long since gone to add his pile of sand.
Looking at the Young Khana Marcella and at Aurelia-Amira, I can certainly understand, how a young man such as yourself is drawn to be interested in this situation, were I but half a century younger, I, too, would follow the proceedings with a close eye – of course, all to advance my own studies in the field of politics, for I had been a student half a century ago.

Nevertheless, I am sure, that a smart man such as yourself has looked into Kyrenaian History and our interactions with our surroundings over the last century, if not more. The majority of the fear, that it will come to an escalation, stems from our not always peaceful history, the most recent example being the Retaking of the Khanate of Jazirat Alshahwa (or as it is known internationally, the Va'a Mamao Incident).
While I can not, in good faith and confidence, deny the fact, that we have a bloody history, we also have a peaceful history. The most recent examples include, but are not limited to, the Ferinan Archipelago Crisis, the brokering of the Utica Peace Accords and the reconciliation process with Markaz, Pankara Katarai and other former colonies.

I also do not doubt, that what happened was a slip of the tongue of the Young Khana, which, taken for itself, would not have warranted the attention it is attracting – her asking for forgiveness and walking away wiser then before would have been sufficient, no one would have batted an eye. I admit, that I myself gave such apologies myself more then once in my time, even in old age (and to this day, I am sorry to have called your beard small, Donald), and while the youth certainly seems to be pre-destined to such slippages, it is no excuse.
At the same time, it appears to have involved matters of the heart, which adds a wholly different dimension to the affair. Kyrenaia always prided itself in drawing a clear line between matters of the private sphere and of the political sphere, and while that is sometimes very hard, we usually expect this to be true for all of our diplomatic partners.
To my understanding, not everyone is mature and wise enough to do so (and no, this was not a jab at the Young Khana), but while that may be fine in the more temperamental and unstable minds of some, it is a danger – as we currently see.

Young Prince, allow me to be open as this letter is: I fear for the UIS.
I will admit, that our presence in the UIS was not only out of the goodness of our hearts, that is no secret to anyone, but our intent was not malicious. I fear, that the Young Khana has thrown out the Guarding Fox and invited in the wolves.
Already, there are people moving into position to receive the most out of the 'crisis' and not all of them have peace and prosperity for all at heart, despite their words to the contrary.

The main issue in this crisis is threefold:
For one thing, while the UIS could command some sort of respect comfortably, they do not. Do not get me wrong, it is a beautiful country, its people beautiful of mind and soul, but it does not have the means to demand any respect from anyone. Its diplomatic power is limited to being a diplomatic attachment to those larger and mightier then themselves, nations they have to stay in the good books of. Its economic power is limited by its own restraints and constrains. Its military – let's not add injury to what some might perceive as insult. The current situation has shown that more then adequately, for if people would perceive the UIS as a nation, who could take care of their own problems, we would not have everyone scrambling to their aid against big, bad, evil Kyrenaia (a perception which is another issue, but that has little to do with this crisis).
The second issue is respect. Not for a nation, but for a person and his or her culture and ways. This goes in both ways, mind you. Kyrenaia and its people, its Sultana included, are not comfortable with homosexuality. No matter what you think of it yourself, no matter if or if not your heart goes out to a heartbroken young woman, it is a cultural no-go. At the same time, the UIS and its citizens are completely with homosexuality. I admit to having voiced strong opinions against even the legalization of homosexuality back in the day, so my views on that matter are biased – nevertheless, respect for the ways of the other will mean peace.
The third issue are what your termed the 'cooler heads', which should prevail. Those cooler heads, which scrambled and are rushing to the defence of the UIS, are out for their own advantages. The Astarians want to expand their position of power within the region, the Lamonians and other Greater Dienstadi powers seek to keep their influence, Mervay will certainly have its own agenda as well and even Abetton will not act the way it does without a goal in mind. These 'cooler heads' brought unnecessary hectic into the situation. This also links back to the respect and the diplomatic power the UIS does not have, for if they would respect the UIS and if the UIS would have the diplomatic power, their interference would be unnecessary and things would not have escalated to the point of people calling it a 'crisis' (however, the arbitration of the dispute by the Mervayans is a good idea).

In the end, I do not believe, that it will come to an armed conflict or anything of that sort. Quite on the contrary, I believe, that this matter will peter out and while the delegates of the Kyrenaia will pointedly ignore the UIS' delegates whenever they are in the same room (and vice versa), the only casualties remaining will be the formerly good relations between two nations, the heart of a young woman, the reputation of another and the UIS' independence of acting.

Signed, and with best regards,
Mahmut al-Zahir

P.S.: Without a doubt, some will now scramble to write press releases in which they declare their respect for the UIS and their customs and so on and so forth – spare the paper.

by **Mervay** » Tue Jun 29, 2021 11:06 pm

Kyrenaia wrote:Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Callista was quite smitten with the idea of lunch and so I motioned for her to follow me inside.
The Handmaidens and Tabardariyya waiting outside soon got to move in her furniture, she had a room in the Main Building, not too far from mine, her Handmaidens close to where Sarina had her room two floors below ours.
They were not exactly the largest or fanciest rooms, by no means even close to the rooms they had lived in at the Palace of the Azure Hall, but they were nice and comfortable. I had seen to it, that every guest room in my house had a large, fluffy sofa in it, so that one could relax there for a bit, something I knew was awesome from my own experience.
In any case, before we went there, Callista and I entered, trailed by her two servants (yeah, right...) and Sarina (same story here). Once the door closed, I smiled at my handmaiden and asked her, in Kyrenaian, to prepare a light salad for all of us, make it ready to be served in the dining room.
Sarina nodded and dragged the butler-like man off, shanghaiing him into helping her and as an aid in case someone had any food allergies or dislikes she should be aware of.
Alone with Callista and her last Handmaiden, I exhaled deeply.
My shoulders sagged and I was sure, that I, for a few moments, looked a lot older then I actually was.
“Is something wrong?”, Callista asked.
“Nothing. Everything.”, I said and gave a short laugh, “Imagine this... I was broken up with my girlfriend and the world worries, if and how my Grandmother will take revenge to insults suffered by Herself and by the nation.” I shook my head. “Sometimes I wonder, if it is all just a bad dream... and sometimes I wonder, what my mother would say...”
I looked at Callista. There must have been a certain forlornness and somberness in my eyes, for she went and put a hand on my shoulder, squeezed it softly.
“I do not know, what your mother would have said.”, she admitted, “But I know, that these past few days have been very stressful for us all – I can not imagine, how they must have been for you. Your heart was torn out of your chest and is buried under the heels of marching boots as everyone tries to secure a slice of the cake.”
“You included?”, I asked.
Callista was silent for a moment. “Mervay included, yes. I, on the other hand, worry about my friend.”, she made clear. I heard the unsaid I can separate between personal and state affairs, thank you very much., but I was too busy giving a small laugh. Callista, Agus, this would take a lot of getting used to, pressed on: “And my friend is hurting. Burying herself in her duties, all to forget her hurting heart.”
I supposed she was right.
I slowly nodded.
She took my hand. “Come, let's get seated while we wait for lunch.”
And off we were...
“The dining room is in that direction.”
...the wrong way around.
“Sorry, I forgot this was your house.”, Callista commented, clearly embarrassed by the small, but quickly forgotten slip-up.
I smiled as we entered, the Butler and Sarina setting up the last things for the five of us to eat. The two seemed to work well together and seemed to have fun, if the light smile of the Butler was any indication. Of course, he was also the only male in a room with four females, who, dare I say it, were physically quite attractive.
Granted, making a move on any of us would be quite a bold action, but that was not the point.
The dining room was a simple affair, a long table, chairs around it, a windowfront looking into a small garden, which was full of Kyrenaian Flowers. The former Grand Vizier Mahmut al-Zahir had aided me in hiring a competent gardener, so there was his little realm. Opposite to the windowfront was a series of sideboards.
The salad, which Sarina brought in, looked and was delicious, as we found out sitting on one end of the table. Aldhiyb joined us sometime over the course of the lunch, he remembered Callista and she remembered him, so the two reunited well, with headscratches for my loyal companion, who enjoyed them immensely. Sometime in, Callista and I double-teamed him and petted him from both sides, much to general amusement.
I had not laughed like that in quite a few days, maybe even weeks...

Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica.
Razia-Sultana Umm-Albilad.
“Yes, let's get to it.”, I spoke.
This peculiar predicament regarding the nation you once were allies with...
Kyrenaia still considered itself bound by the guarantees we had given, guaranteeing their independence and safety. The Astarians would, sooner or later, try to impede on that, for better or worse, and as things currently stood, we were out of the race for influence and power in the region... there were chances, how we could get back in, but that was another story.
For now, we had to get this mess over with – which would be difficult enough, if we wanted to get out of it well and in an advantageous position. I had my ideas and so had my Viziers.
Mediation by the Mervayans was but the first step.
It didn't take long until we entered a conference room, which was dominated by a large table with a dozen chairs around it. We would only need two. A pair of Handmaidens arranged glasses of water and carafes on the table, as well as biscuits.
I took one, nibbled on it, and took a moment to admire the fresco as I sat down near the head, and slim side of the table, so that Pandereos and I would sit closely together. The water and biscuits were arranged to that effect as well.
The fresco of this room showed a forest scene in Salalkubz, a panorama of a clearing in the colony with a Forest Wolf resting on a log, a Small Eagle sitting in a tree looking for prey worthy of his time and a lot of other animals, not all of them endemic to the colony, around as well. The forest itself was dense and dark, a bit foreboding.
I sat down into the comfortable leather chair and watched the Young Prince before me.

Agustinas Florenze Da Mervay
Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond.
It was a great salad if she had to say it, worth the whole wait and travel to this place after an exhausting flight where politics were on the table no matter what happened, and god there were a lot of things to discuss there. She was glad to had been able to take a nice time to sleep after that whole emergency conference where she almost fired the RICO Chief Director.
But, while the salad did made her wait for food worth it; seeing Aurelia so happy was what made this whole travel worth the effort. She confined in her concerns and worries, Agus did her best to help her with them and was here to offer that support she needed; she knew well that ignoring the problem won't make it go away, it never helped.

So, to see her happy and having fun as they enjoy their dinner was something that made her fondly smile; she had a lot of fun around her and how she was enjoying herself, plus it was always fun to see again Aldhiyb as well! He certainly remembered her and so did she; the fluffy sand wolf being petted by him and sometimes by Aurelia at the sametime as well. She remembered an old say her parents told to her: "Those who recover from their falls are the most beautiful persons in the world, because no matter what it is thrown against them, they hold their ground and thrive..." That old say was one she knew was truthful; those who get up after being pushed down will come out stronger and with no doubt, Aurelia will be back on her feet before she knows it. She was an exceptional and strong woman after all.

"If I have to say, I've must congratulate the chefs for the salad as it was well worth the wait." The Queen smiled as she looked at the butler and Sarina with an warm smile.

"To be truthful, Lady Sarina did it Your Majesty; I just aided in whatever she needed and settled everything up." Darius smiled as his eyes fell on Aurelia's loyal handmaiden with the same kind smile. "She should deserve the praise for the salad." Agus then smiled warmly at the handmaiden and nodded thankful before focusing her eyes on Aurelia.

"To be honest, I thought I would had to deal first with your grandmother before I had the chance to see you and how you were doing, but; I guess I have to be glad my brother decided to accept the original offer and go out into the Lion's Den rather than myself, even if I wanted to kill him for that." She laughed a bit before silence filled her as she blushed slightly for what she was about to say. "So, thank you for inviting me to your home, Aurelia. I really wanted to check how you were doing as my friend and, well; I was quite worried of you after what you had to go through these few days." Her eyes then looked at the Princess ones with sincerity and kindess as she smiled.

"How about we catch up and talk, I really feel it would be nice to talk about something else than this whole situation; It already made my shoulders tense up and quite sore for the whole situation that is happening behind the curtains." And by that she meant something which was already making the situation even more tense.

Pandareos III of Mervay
Palace of the Azure Hall,
If the Prince had to give his opinion of the conference room, he would say it is as luxurious as the rest of the palace without a single doubt. He sat on his seat, which looked to The Sultana; he decided to take off his jacket for comfort which it showed that beneath the jacket he was dressed with an shirt and tie.

"Before we begin Your Majesty, I want to thank you for your time as I can be sure your schedule must be tight during these strange times." The Prince smiled at her kindly, an smile he saw her return in kind with her own answer.

"That is indeed truth, Young Prince." The Sultana smiled, Luciano meanwhile did the same after hearing the nickname given to him by the Sultana. "But, that is a responsibilty one must bear with the title bestowed upon a person of such status and importance." That was something he understood and agreed, nodding in understanding as he remembered how his sister was on that position as well, the gravity and importance of the position they had weighing on their shoulders, an obligation to the people; one he deeply respected.

"Wise words I've must say." He commented. Then, the agenda begun. "Such responsibilities are what also brought me here, not as Prince of Athalyssya only, but as Her Majesty's Counselor as well; as such and by requirement of my title and obligations, that's why I'am here today." He let a beat pass.

"To discuss about the current predicament, to not say outright crisis; that is happening thanks to the diplomatic breakdown between The Sultanate and The UIS, which Asteria fears that if given the right circunstances the situation could escalate into an conflict; one which there's a precedent on the behavior of the Kyrenaian Military during the Va'a Mamao Islands Invasion during 2018." He would rather not get into details of what happened there, the images and videos said it all when that appeared on the media.

His eyes were then focused on The Sultana's answer and expression, if he knew something was that what happened during the invasion was all but peaceful and calm by the scenes, more considering how the official reason was for the protection of Kyrenaian Interests; he shouldn't say nothing when he remembered the stories Lieutenant General Rosewell and Major General Monteprieto told to them of their shadow operations on the border region to eliminate the ones that tried to attack his father's plane back in 2012; nor the shadow intervension they did alongside other special forces of Mervay in the aftermath of the Aegae Attacks during the peace summit of 2014 of the same conflict. The peace and the treaty after all, it was all for the Mervayan Interests of stability in the region, something that both Commona and Lucifenia agreed after talks between the three nations where they gave their consent to the then ambassador Dileva to lead the mediation efforts all the while they made sure to aid in that the guarantees made during the peace treaty would be upheld by the two nations at conflict under the watchful gaze of the three powers.

All in all, those were a few tense seconds as the Va'a Mamao Incident was something of an stain kept in the dark after the war, one that could be used against Utica; after all it was a former colony of them which was retaken and under Kyrenaian control once again. However, the answer the Razia-Sultana would give him completely showed the other face of the coin.

"Your concerns and those of your nation are unfounded, Prince Pandareos." He heard the voice of the stern woman sitting in front of him in the table. "We do not wish for an escalation, but rather an de-escalation of the current dilemma; which is why we had arranged for this meeting." She continued. The Prince could certainly agree to it.

"Which is why the Sultanate won't escalate this fragile situation into an open conflict, just like we did during the Ferinan-Archipelago Crisis last year on which Kyrenaia was the first one to retreat their naval forces at the request of the Princess of Shikonjima and invited the remaining nations involved to do the same and follow the request of the Princess." He remembered well the days where all the media were over the Ferinan Crisis and how it escalated; fake news, accusations of treason in the higher-ups, various countries involved on the conflict, foreign influence. It was nothing short of an miracle things died out after seeing how willing was the Greater Empire of Yamatai to have a war on the region happen; but there was a tragic irony of the whole affair which he noticed? No one objected Shikonjima annexing the Archipelago and everyone officially recognized the islands as part of the Principality. In fact the last nation that recognized the islands was Mervay and that was because of the fear that a move like that could further destabilize the region.

"That is certainly the most perfect example of the wishes of Kyrenaia if I must say, Your Majesty." The Prince smiled. It wasn't the only example; since there was another one concerning an close friend of theirs where they mediated the peace negotiations between The Free Lands and Lutetii, the famously known Utica Peace Accords. Certainly it all depended on the issue and how they would handle it for sure. "I will make sure to inform that to The Chancellor to make sure it gets to Duchess Villa's ears as soon as possible." He had to be glad they made sure to organized an emergency line through their PDA's. That message will get through quickly and won't cause any interruptions that a call would do.

Yet, he had to yet ask something, something important to the whole affair. Something crucial to arrange the mediation and possibly, see how much would it take for it to be possible.

"I must be certain however, that recompensation has to be given to the Sultanate for the insults against the nation and your person; I'am right?" Pandareos asked, this was the area where it would all depend if AHSCA would accept. If the UIS wouldn't give anything to them, they would be at an dead-end. The Sultana of course, nodded.

"That is correct, Young Prince." She said, letting a beat pass. "There must be an compensation from the UIS in order for the negotiations to work as that cannot go unnoticed." That was something which made him suspicious and worried; an compensation was a logical step after the general hypotesis has been widely accepted on what caused the Duchess to break all ties, he would not however, ask if she said some things of her own to tick off Duchess Villa, not yet at least. No, his concern lied on the Astarians.

They had made open the fact that everyone should calm down and let things freeze with time; something impossible when there's people asking for blood on the extremes and political pressure on the line. They spoke of their good wishes and how they were willing to support any mediation as an third party, yet; they broke their words if the fears were true. Everyone in that conference last night were all in the strong opinion of an UIS Ally being guilty of cyber espionage and decrypting the CTP-Code, the entire coincidences of life pointed to the Astarians and by that; after the threat to remove Hamilton of his position, an realization fell on everyone.
The Astarians not only broke their own words, but they just let the first domino fall; the message for all they know might be to advice the UIS Government of the mediators intentions and in turn, indirectly and secretly, side with The UIS.

That would only complicate things as a free for all was happening over who would replace Kyrenaia as the new benefactor of the islands, Mervay included in the midst.

"We both know that there will be problems for that part to be possible, correct?" He asked, his calm demeanor well kept, not a hint of concern being showed, even if he was on his head.

"Indeed, it appears we had the same thought; Young Prince." She spoke and calmly confirmed what he thought. "The Astarians could be the biggest obstacle now that they wish to expand their influence in the islands."

He nodded.

"Correct. And I'm sure that you had also read their open communique and how they wish for an peaceful solution, yet advicing everyone to calm down. Unfortunately; it appears that, that they had broke down their own words sadly. We have every reason to believe that they had sided with the UIS, even if they don't show it to the public..." She understood what he meant by it, right now the only thing he was certain about; was that this was a puzzle that needed to be solved.

by **Brettenwald** » Wed Jun 30, 2021 12:33 am

Kyrenaia wrote:
To: Emperor Thomas Cärrino of Brettenwald.
From: Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Sultana of Kyrenaia and Lady of the Five Deserts.

Personal Correspondence.
Not to be released.

Your Highness,
as far as I am concerned, I don't think, that you should feel embarrassed. We Kyrenaians see asking for advice when one has to not as a weakness – rather as a strength, as Wisdom includes knowing, when one is out of one's depth.
Please also allow me to clear a small misconception: Damir deals with the controversies surrounding Aurelia's leanings as her Father, I deal with the fallout as her Matriarch. And Aurelia herself deals with whatever is left. In time, the roles will shift.
Lastly, I want you to praise every deity, which mean something to you, for one, simple fact: Your son approached you and the rest of your family, told you of his secret, and is now planning to, by his own free will, tell the world who and what he is. Aurelia did not have that luxury and neither did I. I learned of my granddaughter's leanings from a newspaper cover depicting her having intercourse with another girl, who rose to be some sort of national heroine in her homecountry. Aurelia got to know of her secret being out by a very, very angry headmistress storming into her room.
I do not want to go into too much detail here, but I fear, that I failed my Son and my Granddaughter twice in those days, both as Sultana and as Mother/Grandmother. And I also fear, that I hurt both of them in the UIS, but at the end of the day, I had good reasons for why I decided and acted the way I did and I stand by that record.

However, allow me to let you in on a secret: Aurelia once showed me the love letters Marcella wrote to her. I saw the love, that this woman had for my granddaughter, maybe even still has, but while I acknowledge, that this love existed and was real, I was born in a different time. I do not doubt, that your son loves his boyfriend as well.

There is only advice I can give you: Be there for him. Support him in any way you see fit and if it is only cleaning up the mess left after the 'Big Reveal.' Then you would do far better already then I did.

I remain respectfully yours,
Razia,
Sultana of Kyrenaia.

P.S.: If you wish, I can ask Damir, if he has advice for you.

To: Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Sultana of Kyrenaia
Security level: Epsilon
Subject to Gov't Transparency Act 1997: No

Dear Razia-Sultana,

Your kind words and advice are greatly appreciated. As I have spent the past 32 years slowly and methodically dismantling his legacy down to every dotted i and crossed t it will come as no surprise to you that I had a somewhat difficult relationship with my father. I hope I have done a better job for my children than he did for his but there are occasions when I ask myself whether that has really been the case, with this whole sad affair being the most notable example. I am admittedly something of a pessimist, which as my late wife would have said means I find myself either right or pleasantly surprised. Therefore I doubt that Marco will think that this makes up in any way for everything I said and did a decade ago considering that the last words he said to me then were "so I've spent the past sixteen years of my life under the delusion that my father loved me?", but I will still hold out a little hope anyway. There are, after all, times in your life where it feels like hope is the only thing you have left.

I apologize for my confusion regarding you and your son's roles concerning Aurelia, the political and geographical distances involved muddied the waters of our domestic media's coverage of events somewhat. You, Aurelia and Damir have my sincere sympathy, rather late though it is, for what was undoubtedly a highly traumatic period of time and chain of events. As a matter of fact, Marco made a rather cryptic remark when he broached the subject of our correspondence about having narrowly escaped forcible outing a while before he came out to me. The circumstances would have been less undesirable and I have a vague idea of what occurred thanks to a conversation I had at the time with the father of a friend of his, but I trust that he will tell me in his own time. (I may be waiting a long time, my son is even more stubborn than I am.) I hurt my son, but like you I had what I considered good reasons to do what I did. It was all I could do as the man I was at the time with the knowledge I had. I suppose the two of us will never truly know if our decisions then and now were the right ones, will we? I have a son to summon to my office, a terrified boyfriend to meet, a public relations team to consult and several deities to pray to, so for now I remain

Respectfully yours,
Thomas Cärrino, Emperor
P.S. Thank you, I would appreciate that very much.

by **Brettenwald** » Wed Jun 30, 2021 8:35 pm

Dear Princess Aurelia,

I am somewhat saddened but nevertheless unsurprised at your assessment of Marcella. An important part of maturity is having the self-awareness to know when one is in over one's head and act accordingly, and I hope that she has that in her. As a wise man once said- don't worry, I'm not quoting myself here -there's no shame in being afraid, it's what you do when you're afraid that matters. I suppose that the two of us must simply hurry up and wait with regards to Marcella and your grandmother's next moves. If I were in the Duchess' position I would have issued both formal and personal apologies to the Sultana by now and gotten on with business, but I doubt either one's pride will give in so easily and therefore this could drag on for a while yet. If I still gambled to any extent beyond playing cards with my brothers once in a while, though, I'd put my money on Marcella to blink first in the end.

Yours sincerely,
Thomas Cärrino, Emperor

P.S. Give Aldhiyb a scratch for me, I've always been one for dogs (or wolves, in his case.)

by **Abetton** » Wed Jun 30, 2021 9:47 pm

Castle Lieke

All had been relatively quiet for a while, Prince Linely sent out his letter, his first attempts at a statesman duty, even if in an unofficial capacity. Officially, Abetton had nothing to say on this matter, what AHSCA did with its alliances was its business to them, so who really cares at the end of the day? The Prince over his morning breakfast was reading the local news first, usual stuff, but his young servant Shaun came in "Good morning, Milord. I thought you might want to see this. The first formal response of sorts, to your letter?" Handing him a printed copy of the op-ed printed in the Utica Herald by Mahmut al-Zahir, seemed to be a broad statement really, honestly not really agreeing with anything. "Oof" Linely said rather matter of factly. "Well so much for that, I suppose"

"I am sorry, Milord, I know you did your best."

"Well it is a bit inexperience on my end. Well I had hoped maybe this would dial down things, though I don't think I made anything particularly worse either so I guess there's that for me."

He leaned back in his chair. "Well, it's not as though I expected some miracle solution from my letter. Frankly he probably has a point, might be wise for The Duchess to simply take her medicine and apologize. Still, I think he could have been a little kinder in regards to them as a member of the world stage. I think that's just going to make her angrier if she reads that."

"Mmm." Shaun nodded, understanding but not really having much "You plan to respond."

"Ah no sense, he even says it in his post-script, don't bother. All that's left is for his own countrymen to call him out on that, if they do, but kind of doubt it."

"I see, Milord."

His chamber door opened quite suddenly as his younger sister, Peri peered in. Shaun bowed his head in respect to the Princess's sudden entrance. "Good morning, Linely" She cheekily brandished the same paper

"I saw, Peri, no need to rub it in."

"Oh no need for me, father wants to speak to you himself about it."

Ah great, just what he needed. "Aaaah" he chuckled nervously "Maybe I'll go play with Chryssy instead."

"Nice try but she's not home right now so gotta face him sooner or later."

"Guess we all have to take our lumps, Shaun."

"Yes, Milord."

"He's in his office." Peri informed Linely as he sheepishly shuffled out of the room. A short walk to his father's office later, the two men were there face to face. "Want to tell me what your little letter was about?" The King asked of his son, stern and certainly commanding.

"Well Father, as Prince and your chosen heir, I did feel it was best to begin my formal assessment of an ongoing diplomatic situation."

"A situation involving countries in a minor petty squabble?"

"Well maybe so but remember the UIS is fairly close to Abetton and Katase alike, I'd say their sphere of influence does reach to us as well. After all, every action there's an equal and opposite reaction."

"Perhaps but nevertheless, none of our concern. It's a silly young girl with her heart in her head."

"Father, now wouldn't you say all politics is that? After all in the days of old, didn't people duel to the death when someone insulted their honor? Marriages forge alliances, noble births beget passions? Maybe the Duchess is infatuated but having a reliable partner is vital to the world of being in charge."

"Fine, son, very fine analysis. But nevertheless they don't see it that way there, in the Sultanate that is. Honestly if Abetton has more to gain, it's from a nation like their own than that old archipelago. The old powers have moved on from the Southern Seas. So tell me, how many other nations have responded to you?"

"Well so far none..."

"None, indeed. Only they took time to humor this and even then, poked very large holes in your argument. And honestly I see where they stand, losing the UIS, honestly it's as losing a 5 Pence piece in the street to them. Nobody there is going to lose sleep over it no matter what you, I, the Mervayans or anyone else have to say on the matter. Now just as they can afford to shed off a little chain of islands, we cannot afford to lose a potential power broker like them. I'd suggest writing a retraction. You don't need to proclaim right or wrong, just say something oh the ramblings of a young man who still has much to learn."

"But Father, really, it's not like I took any side, I just --"

"Do it, son, or I shall do it for you."

"Yes sir."

Linely hung his head in defeat. Gee, some king he'd be, maybe he should just give his title to Peri and go try to woo Marcella, but for now he did as his father instructed. Crazy under old Abetton Law, he'd be an adult now but for now he still was a kid.

Friends, lend me your attention, The Honorable (or respectable, forgive me I wasn't given a formal title) Mahmut al-Zahir has authored the first and so far, only response to my open letter to address this ongoing situation in regards to the grand Sultanate of Kyrenaia and the United Island States of AHSCA. As such, I'm implored to make it perfectly clear, my letter was not conducted as any official business on behalf of the Kingdom of Abetton, merely my own opinion. I thought I'd be wise enough to weigh in on this subject, not trying to take a side, not trying to offend, merely to just see if maybe my own thoughts on the matter couldn't be given. My great-grandfather, King Leonidas IV once said that a healthy idea is always worth listening too, even when such ideas may not work, so long as you have logic and reason to back them up, they shall be heard. Well I'm grateful to have been heard, even if my ideas did not muster any change I had hoped.

Again, I took interest as the UIS is a regional neighbor and Abetton wishes to be a good neighbor. This is an issue that simply will have to be resolved with The Duchess Marcella Villa simply taking a few lumps, giving her formal apologies as a statesman, and moving along. I still want to wish her the best for her and her people going forward, as they want we all want, happiness, harmony, love and peace. I also know the UIS to long stand by a philosophy of "live and let live" and I trust they will do the same as the Sultanate chooses what is in the interest of their nation and peoples.

As a Young Prince, I have much to still learn about the wider world of politics, I trust I shall continue to learn, so I appreciate the honest critique of my letter.

My Fine Regards,
Prince Linely Lampsea Latimer

by **Astares Amauricanum** » Sat Jul 03, 2021 4:53 pm

Silver Palace
Columbia District

After seeing Linely's open letter, Adrean and Anna took a liking in the young Prince's views, and decided to send him a letter, although private, contrary to what al-Zahir did...

From:
Keisaer Adrean Blachkor
Keisaerina Anna Blachkor

To:
Prince Linely Lampsea Latimer of Abetton.

Subject: Your Majesty's open letter.

Encryption: Maximum

Your Highness,

despite your young age, we would like to congratulate you for your open letter regarding the situation at hand between AHSCA and Kyrenaia. You hit all the right points. We wish that at your age, we had the same look over the world. Instead though, we were thrown in an unwanted civil war which made us in what we are today.

Just like you, our only wish would be that everyone in this quarrel just calm down and let bygones be bygones. But unfortunately, diplomacy and politics are not that simple. The Sultanate of Kyrenaia is a powerful country with a background history as a powerful colonial empire, which was not always nice to the people under its rule (We won't judge that, history is history), while the United Island States of AHSCA are a small and young country, who are considered by many as just a tiny speck on a map. And as mentioned in the latest press release from the Kyrenaian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Sultanate considers that this breach of relations is an insult, and that they will ask for reparations no matter what, even though the Kingdom of Mervay will act as a mediator. A this point, it's futile to consider that the UIS could simply escape with just a strongly worded warning.

Regarding our stake in the matter, we would like to sincerily thank you for not considering us agressors from the start. You gave us the benefit of the doubt, and for that we are grateful. As you say it, we could have, if we had wanted, seize more than the Malditas. But we didn't , and have tried our best to be nothing but good neighbors to the UIS, their allies and the nations of Greater Dienstad.

But unfortunately, not everyone seems to think the same thing. It's sad to hear from nations like the Empire of Brettenwald who we never interacted with, have called us agressors from the start without any warning or reason to do so. We shall prove them wrong.

And we hope, once this crisis is over, to establish relations with your nation as well.

Please send our kindest regards to the rest of your family.

SIncerily yours,
Keisaer Adrean Blachkor
Keisaerina Anna Blachkor.

PS: we wrote this letter before al-Zahir answered to you in an open letter. While he has quite good arguments himself, we would like to say that for us, you don't have to apologize. We all have to start somewhere, and our mistakes are what make us stronger.

Be proud of what you did young Prince. Even though you may have been a bit wrong sometimes, the intention was there, and that's what matters the most. At least for us.

"No matter what, al-Zahir always impresses me." says Adrean as he raises his eyes from his tablet computer. "I will never reach his level."

"To each their own field of expertise man." replies Phillip Smetov as he butters a piece of bread, before adding some mapple syrup on it. "He is a talented politician good with words, you're a soldier and a physician coupled with a head of state. No shame to have about it." adds the black-haired Lieutenant Colonel befor biting in his toast.

"And with all due respect man, please don't make us another spleen or depression episode. We're not your babysitters." grumbles Patrick Leonhart, causing the Phantoms to laugh, even Adrean.

"Yeah yeah, don't worry about that man. I'm not doing an inferiority complex about the old man. Just complimenting him that's all. I hope one day, he'll realize wolves can be nice too if you try to understand them." says the latter with a sigh before taking a sip of his tea.

"So, aside from that, when will our guys start the Hakuna Matata op?" asks Dorothy Whitaker.

"They just arrived in Kyrenaia, the operation is a go." replies Alicia Morozov as she takes another bite of her mango.

"I can't believe Anna and me approved a name like that." says Adrean as he chuckles a bit while rubbing his face.

"Hey, they have the Lioness as their national animal and they behave like Hyenas. Don't tell me you're not thinking of The Lion King when you hear that?" asks Pavel with a small laugh.

"I do, which is why we approved it." answers Anna. "And by the way, we just got word from the ACI that they found a way in Brettenwald's systems, specifically their Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They'll proceed as planned."

"So, memes and lolcats everywhere?" asks Yuri Petrenko with a small laugh.

"You got it man!" finishes Adrean, before the group goes back to eating their breakfast...

Utica, Kyrenaia.

Just like the AHSCAian, there were also tourists from other nations seemingly enjoying the sights of the current Kyrenaian capital. And among them, two people from the country of Gurzikstan.

Barak Elkader, a accountant, 1,85m tall olive skin, green eyes and short black hair.
Alima Rabel, a photographer, 1,80m tall, olive skin too, dark brown eyes and black hair going down to the middle of her back in a braid.
SInce those two were coming from a country with a population in majority of Arab ethnicity, they did not stood out in the local population.

However, that was only on the surface. In reality, Barak's and Alima's identities were only legends, characters that did not exist, but were still close enough in personality to their real identities. (which we will not reveal here.)
In reality, those two were clandestine officers of the Astares Centralis Inteligentsia, the Astarian foreign intelligence service. And they had been dispatched to Kyrenaia as part of the -of course secret - treaties that exist between the ACI and AHSCA's newly created intelligence agency, the Shadow Knights.Their mission was simple: oversee the job of the AHSCAian agents, and ensure they do not get caught.
If they did, it was no secret that the Sultanate would just trial and kill them. So if they wanted to get back home alive, it was in their best interest to not fuck this operation up.

As they had arrived in the country about a week ago, one night, Barak and Alima had received a simple message: a series of numbers.
To someone normal, this would just be it, some numbers, but for the two -supposedly- Gurzikstan natives, this was a special code they had learned to use in training, which helped transmit information secretly. Even if a third party was to get the message, they would only see a series of numbers, as those who were able to use it could only do so after an extended, and excruciating, period of psychological training.

The message, once decoded, revealed a single line: Activate the Shadow Knights for surveillance
So, with just a simple nod, Alima had taken out a stack of white cards, perfumed them with a lotus fragrance, and went on a city tour to take in the sights, and do some nice photographs. However, the itinerary she did on that day was far from random, as it led her through all the places herShadow Knights pupils were residing. She just slid the cards under each door, and left without a word.

And now, on this beautiful day, the Gurzik woman finds herself once again on the streets of Utica, camera in hand. And this time, she is finally set to meet with some of the Shadow Knights agents.
Which is why right now, she is approaching the café where Iris-Francis Jeane, Faria Yuki, and Naofumi Wakana are sitting.

"Hey everyone, long time no see." says the Middle Eastern woman as she sits at the table with the three AHSCAian agents. "I see you are all enjoying your time here." she adds with the same smile, before leaning closer towards them and whispering in a very hushed, but clear tone, what would be the starting point of the mission.

"Abigail Palace Nine", and "Ascension 7-15-1-2-19-7-25-6"
Those two elements, unbeknowsnt to anyone else, were the protocol of dead drops the agents would be using for their mission to transmit their messages, and the encryption and decoding key they would use to code their messages.

This had been made possible by weeks of psychological training for the AHSCAians, somewhere in the Imperium, and now, they would finally put that training to use...

Just as the ACI had told the Keisaer and Keisaerina before, they had found a weakness in the Brettenwald Ministry of Foreign Affairs informatic system, and so, they would exploit it.
A malware was inserted in the backdoor, and soon infected every server. From messages to briefings, to even the general interface workers have on their computers, everything would soon be filled with memes and other silly things taken from the Internet.
From Rick Astley, to Big Enough, to lolcats, the Brettains would know no rest for quite some time. And at the request of Their Majesties, the ACI tech guys had made sure the memes would be difficult to erase.
They would not create any damage to the systems, but they would make the humans behind the computers a bit mad.

Brettenwald had told the Imperium was agressive against AHSCA? This was the Astarian answer.

by **Brettenwald** » Sat Jul 03, 2021 5:52 pm

Astares Amauricanum wrote:Just as the ACI had told the Keisaer and Keisaerina before, they had found a weakness in the Brettenwald Ministry of Foreign Affairs informatic system, and so, they would exploit it.
A malware was inserted in the backdoor, and soon infected every server. From messages to briefings, to even the general interface workers have on their computers, everything would soon be filled with memes and other silly things taken from the Internet.
From Rick Astley, to Big Enough, to lolcats, the Brettains would know no rest for quite some time. And at the request of Their Majesties, the ACI tech guys had made sure the memes would be difficult to erase.
They would not create any damage to the systems, but they would make the humans behind the computers a bit mad.

Brettenwald had told the Imperium was aggressive against AHSCA? This was the Astarian answer.

"Pardon me." The Emperor shook his head in confusion as if to clear his thoughts by dislodging them from his brain. "A what, exactly?" The IT staffer gulped nervously. "It's a-a meme, Your Majesty. The girl spinning what appears to be a leek is a character from a Japanese TV show called Bleach. I can't exactly explain it further, sire, but it should be harmless. If you could just move your desk chair, Your Majesty, we'll get your PC tower out from under there and take it down Coronation Boulevard to get the GIR's computer people started on sanitizing it and checking for security issues. There hasn't been any suspicious file activity on our systems, so if this was a distraction they'd have done what it was they actually wanted to do already and gotten out."
"All right, I won't get in your team's way. Just have your boss keep me updated, son." Soon enough, Aurinel's traffic would become even more chaotic than it usually was thanks to seemingly endless 24/7 flotillas of black Sprinter vans stuffed to the roof with computer equipment running back and forth from ministry to ministry, to the Palace, to the imposing brutalist eyesore the Gardae called home, and generally getting themselves in everyone's way for the better part of three days. Nobody actually had the gall to do anything about it beyond grumble, of course, every citizen except newborn babies or immigrants barely off the boat knew that black Mercedes + Z-prefix government plates = Garda = very much not to be fucked around with, but it was a regrettable complication in a necessary and annoying dance of manpower & machinery. Meanwhile, the area's motorcycle courier companies were on their knees thanking their gods for the sudden explosion in business, His Majesty greatly enjoyed not having to check his bloody emails all the time, the few computer boffins who weren't making triple pay staying at work until two in the morning were busily engaged in failing to figure out precisely who was behind it all, and Valentine Teissedre made an indescribably smug phone call to Director Kantari stating that the company had fulfilled its side of the bargain inside of its deadline...well, would be able to once the Crown got itself put back together, and was there anything the company could do to help? She got angrily hung up on for that little crack, but she figured it was worth it.

by **Abetton** » Sat Jul 03, 2021 6:44 pm

Castle Liek

Having written and sent his retraction on behest of his father, Linely retreated again to his room to think on it. Peri came back to apologize and console her brother even if she was a younger sister. "I'm sorry for teasing you earlier. I didn't think father was going to be that hard on you about this. After all, it was just a letter."

"Yeah, he has his reasons and concerns. But I don't agree with him at all. After all, AHSCA, Kyrenaia, The Imperium, all of them could be valuable partners for Abetton. It's just a shame, father doesn't see it that way. It's a shame even Kyrenaia so ready to write them off."

"I agree, they all seem like such nice people. Why must every thing come down to who can have the bigger gun and wield the most power? Can't men think of anything else? How about a nice cup of tea and coffee?"

"I agree with you Peri. But I suspect things will never change."

"Suppose so. Oh hey, crazy idea!"

"Mm?"

"Soon enough, I'll be having my Debut right? What if I were to invite the Princess Gisella along? I bet she hasn't had her own debut. Who knows you can always try to flirt with her. I mean I know you kind of have the hots for Marcella but remember she's much older than you, at least Gisella is closer to your age!"

He tossed a pillow at her "Don't be dumb! Besides Debuts are for women, it'd be odd if I went."

"I mean some still like to have the men accompany them. My dear elder brother in his princely duty escorts his younger sister to her debut where she dazzles the world."

Both Linely and Peri did get a few laughs as they tossed a few pillows back and forth at each other. "Perhaps you might be right, I might rather have a chance with Gisella than Marcella. Unlike you, I'm still not betrothed."

"Well Micha is a real sweetheart, so hard for me to say no at this point. Besides being with Charlotte when that day comes would be the best. Then again maybe nothing would come of it with you and the UIS Princess. Only time will tell."

"Well hold onto that thought at least, it might still be worth to invite her. Let them know someone still cares about them."

"I can make it a foreign affair. If Chryssy could make her birthday a wide bash, nothing says I can't either when it's my big day."

A knock on the door as young Shaun again entered. "Milord and Lady, begging your pardon for my interruption."

"What is it, Shaun?" Linely asked

"But this confidential notice arrived for you."

That made Linely slide off the bed to walk over and get it, his curiosity was peaked "Maybe another response from one of the people you wrote?" Shaun inquired

"I mean it could be, could be just another message sent from that guy." He read it, to his surprise it was a response to his letter, this one certainly more praising than the other one which attempted to really cut down his arguments, though probably not maliciously so.

"So, what is it?" Peri asked

"Ah just a response is all. Nothing" He nonchalantly said

"Hey come on, I wanna read it!" He pushed Peri away from grabbing at the letter. "Sorry, but it's secret. Some other time!"

"Aww meanie! Shaun, I swear...Anyway I'm gonna go play with Chryssy. At least she shares things with me." She scoffed and walked off. "Very good, Milady."

This was one he was actually going to keep secret to himself, rather than try to convince his father. In good time maybe he would, maybe he wouldn't but for now he had a response to write.

To:Keisaer Adrean Blachkor
Keisaerina Anna Blachkor
From: Prince Linely Latimer
Subject: RE: Your Majesty's open letter.
Encryption Level: [x] Royal (Not for public information until decreed by His Majesty)
[] State
[] Personal
[] Open Press/Media

Good day, Honorable Members of the Imperium,

Forgive me for not catching your formal titles. I wanted to thank you personally for your response. I must admit, hearing my message to bring some hope and calm to this situation cut down like that, is a bit disheartening. Of course as I am still the Young Prince of Abetton, I do truly agree I have more to learn about the world. The response I had to write, I'll admit was more demanded by my father, but he is my father and I still respect him. But I can't say I meant all the words in it, more a means to save face and appease those in the Kingdom who are skeptical of my actions.

As such, I am sincere when I want to give your nation the benefit of reason and doubt to not assume the worst. We both realize the points made are still valid, and I cannot understand why Kyrenaia and Brettenwald are so eager to doubtful. Cynicism perhaps but I don't know. For now, I'm Prince, but one day I will be King of Abetton (should the Heavens so will it) and I do want to continue to take interest in the world and what goes on in the waters near us. AHSCA is close in proximity to Abetton, we hold many of her citizens of hers, we share commonalities in our cultures, I truly think they would be a valuable partner, more than they or the Kyrenaians give credit for. The world does often boil down to who wields economic and military power but we forget how often people become relegated to pawns in that. That's not what I want as a King, I want all people to feel their value.

Thank you for taking time to read my message, thank you for taking time to write me back. For now, I want to keep this correspondence between us quiet but I look forward to seeing things calm down.

Until then all my best,
Prince Linely Lampsea Latimer

by **Kyrenaia** » Sun Jul 04, 2021 3:31 am

To: Prince Linely Lampsea Latimer, Crowned Prince of Abetton.
From: Pince Mahmut ibn-Idris, Prince of the Ilkhanate of Sarepta.

Personal Correspondence.

Greetings, Prince Linely,
you don't know me, but I have certainly heard of you by the ways of my Uncle and Teacher, the former Grand Vizier al-Zahir. It was me, why typed his words into a computer, for he is not good with modern technology.
Allow me to tell you, from one Young Prince to another, that he was quite impressed by your view of the situation, hence why he wrote that open letter in the Utica Herald, and quite saddened when he read your retraction. He (and I, for that matter) do not presume, that you wrote that retraction out of your own free will – in any case, you wrote it. It stands.

That being said, as al-Hakim, the great philosopher and founder of Kyrenaia's first university many, many centuries ago, said: The path to wisdom begins with speaking.
You might not be wise yet, and neither am I, but I would like to believe, that we both are on a good way there. You certainly did not offend, least of all my Uncle, and your letter was certainly not understood as a formal piece of diplomatic correspondence – hence, again, why my Uncle answered you, and not either the current Grand Vizier, the current Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Damir or the Sultana.
The problem is, however, that the situation is in the hands of these people, the rulers of our nations, not in our hands. I could not imagine, what I would do if I were in the Sultana's shoes, but I know, that the two of us represent a different approach to these matters.
No matter how much the Sultana writes, that she wishes peace, she is still trapped in the olden days, the days of pride and strength, the days of Kian-Sultan, having seen the days changed – the next few weeks will show, how much she has changed with them.

If possible, I would like to meet you personally one day. To my understanding, your little sister Peri has her debut soon – so do my own sisters, Princesses Aischa and Siham. Maybe something could be arranged?

Signed,
Mahmut ibn-Idris,
Prince of the Ilkhanate of Sarepta.

Dear Emperor Thomas,

as somebody growing up with the wise guidance of my Father and of my Grandmother but a stone's throw away, I would not hold it against you to quote yourself. Wisdom is a noble pursuit, one, which can lead back to the own steps.

As for Marcella... I, too, hope, that she blinks – if first or not does not matter. She must be terrified.
That she has not folded yet tells me two things: Either she listens to the wrong people, and we both know, who that is as it is simply not in the character of her officers to be so stubborn, or her pride is getting the better of her. That she does not see what is right in front of her eyes, that was one of the problems we had in our relationship from time to time, so my bet is on the former.
I do not wish to go into too much detail, so please allow me this reference and be done with it.
In the end, many people have their own little interests at heart. Let's hope, that the UIS as we know isn't ground up between those interests and their holders.

With a kind hug,
Aurelia bint-Damir,
Princess of the Ilkhanate of Utica and Beyeha of Malakiard.

P.S.: Even if we don't always see things eye to eye, I do admit, that my Grandmother is a wise woman. She is also a proud woman. A very dangerous combination, at least around here.

To: Emperor Thomas Cärrino of Brettenwald.
From: Prince Damir ibn-Razia, Rajalkim, Bey of Mawjayi and Khalsamak .

Personal Correspondence.
Not to be released.

Your Highness,
it is always weird for an adult man to start a letter with the words “my Mother told me”, but it is a fact, that my Mother told me of your predicament and of the issue you face, as well as your request for aid.
I can only reiterate what she has already told you: Be there for your son, if it goes well or if it doesn't. Be there in private, with a hug, with a hand on the shoulder, in any way you see fit, and be there in public, stand by him and don't let any criticism sway you.

I know, that Aurelia is in correspondence with you, and if I know her correctly, she has taken quite a liking to you (she does not use the red ink for everyone). It warms my heart to see her such a strong and confident young woman, shaken, yes, but not crumbling – I do not doubt, that you feel similarly about Prince Marco, who, to my understanding, is a strong young man as well, who wants to be seen for who he is and what he is about.
I feel, that my daughter and your son would get along splendidly, if they were to ever meet. Either that or it would be a nuclear disaster.

In any case, I wish you both well. It will be hard times to come, but you will surmount them. I am sure of it.

I remain respectfully yours,
Damir ibn-Razia,
Rajalkim, Bey of Mawjayi and Khalsamak.

P.S.: Please give your son my best regards as well. If he is afraid, then he knows, that he is doing the right thing.

Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica.
Razia-Sultana Umm-Albilad.
The lad was good, a bit rough around the edges, sure, but good.
He would make a fine diplomat one day. I would make sure to mention that onto Callista as well.
That being said...
“We have our suspicions of the role of the Astarians in this mess as well.”, I told him and leaned back. “However, we have no definitive proof yet, which complicates matters by quite a lot. Our argumentation rests more on the personal bonds between the Astarian Emperor and Empress on one side and Marcella-Khana on the other. The Astarians do not strike me as people, who would leave their personal friends without at least words of advice and comfort, which is fine by me. Where it gets complicated is, when matters of state come in.” I shrugged. “While I would not count them as hostile, I would count them as our opponents, especially in the eternal game of Hyenas which we play.”
I exhaled.
“But...”, I continued, “...if they are supporting the UIS' new intelligence service, then they will surely be wise enough to not do it openly.” I let a beat pass. “Please relay to your sister and her Government, that the Sultanate's Intelligence Agencies would be very interested in cooperating with the Kingdom's Intelligence Agencies on this matter and maybe more. How that cooperation will look has to be determined at a later date, for I know, that I would leave that to the experts.” I let beat pass. “Of course, I do not need to mention, that this is more of an informal message and that I would greatly appreciate it, if there would be no records of this.”
If I would wear glasses, I would now look at Pandereos over its rim.

Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
I smiled and nodded.
“I can imagine – and I know just the thing!”, I said and motioned for her to follow me. Leaving Sarina and Callista's (Agus', Gods, this took time) Handmaidens to their job, I led her out of the dining room.
The Altinyarat-Palace was a fully equipped Kyrenaian Palace, so it had something, which Agus surely remembered from the Palace of the Azure Hall and the state visit last year and I hoped, that this would be to her liking as well, even if it wasn't as large and opulent.
Leading her back into the entrance hall, I walked straight across it into the other wing, down a small set of stairs into a small antechamber. Aside from the door we entered through, two portals went off, closed not by massive wood, but by curtains. One had the Kyrenaian sigil for males, the other for females on it.
I grinned at Agus.
“The Hammam is always a good place to talk.”, I told her, a glint in my eyes as I added: “And if the water does not help your muscles, I can give very good massages...”
Careful, girl, it started the same way with Marcella...

by **AHSCA** » Mon Jul 05, 2021 6:45 pm

Utica

Their patients in waiting paid off because they were finally approached by someone they didn't recognize but she clearly recognized them. She clearly was playing up, whether that meant they were being watched or she really was just covering her base was unknown but either way it was good to be on the safe side. "Hey, great to see you too!" I.F. feigned her enthusiasm to see this woman she in fact never really met before. When she sat down she whispered code to them. Yup she was one of them all right, well that was good, it would be worse if she was actually an enemy.

The code were for their dead drops where they would convey and get new information on their mission. That probably meant things were escalating, their directive was to listen and observe from the point of the general public, get a beat on the press but with this outreach, chances are it was a change.

"Yeah that sounds great." Faria said.

Naofumi asked "Maybe you can give us directions? It is our first time here after all."

Aurora

There had been a few changes, obviously. Abetton's two cents on the matter, the response thereof, Gisella suddenly skipping off. Marcella kept holding it all in, holding back not allowing her short fuse to go off yet again. Reading the papers from Utica was getting tough on this now daily routine. The local press, tended to be just "well that is a thing" to "maybe she acted in haste" Marcella still torn on if she should just blink first and give in or keep holding out for her agents to get her information. It was a scary unknown, what would the Sultana do? It's just as she said to Gisella a while ago, the enemy invasion snatched up their mother without blinking, not thinking to at least hear her out, try to negotiate, no Shino was just a prize to be taken to show vanquish over the enemy. So, what prize would the Sultana ask for after Marcella dishonored her? It was unlikely it would be as serious as her life, her head, but what would the consequences be? Internally it was I've gotten myself into such a mess, I'm such an idiot. Externally, she was trying to be her usual self, showing to be a tough leader in the face of adversity.

"The Prince certainly has a way with words." Marcella remarked, "But he quickly backpedaled. Wants to no doubt stay in their good graces."

"Milady," Noir said "Prince Linely is still young, still the subject of his father, The King, it's certainly just as likely it was a bit well orchestrated for him to do so. The retraction I mean."

"I see what you mean, Noir, you have a point there." She sighed tossing her pen onto her paper. "I'm in over my head at this point, why am I still bothering with this? Ugh I'm such an idiot!"

"I understand what you are saying, Milady, but I also don't agree entirely with the Astarians on this, I really doubt the Sultana has high consequences for you if you were to simply write out a formal apology. I get the concern when you think back to what happened with your mother, but this isn't wartime. Honestly with the demolition of their military base there's truly nothing they could possibly gang. At worst you're a bit of a pariah."

"At the same time, Aurelia hasn't written me back. Maybe you're right an I am being paranoid. But we are still awaiting intel aren't we?"

"We are but I'm not sure we're bound to get much more insight than what's already out in plain sight. Just consider it please and I'll see to it to be delivered straight away. I'm here to serve you, Milady, and the state. Please excuse me."

"Of course."

Now Marcella was alone with her thoughts. It was good to wait for more but still, maybe it was time to face the music. She would write the formal apology but she wouldn't send it off, just yet.

by **Mervay** » Tue Jul 06, 2021 3:22 pm

Kyrenaia wrote:Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica.
Razia-Sultana Umm-Albilad.
The lad was good, a bit rough around the edges, sure, but good.
He would make a fine diplomat one day. I would make sure to mention that onto Callista as well.
That being said...
“We have our suspicions of the role of the Astarians in this mess as well.”, I told him and leaned back. “However, we have no definitive proof yet, which complicates matters by quite a lot. Our argumentation rests more on the personal bonds between the Astarian Emperor and Empress on one side and Marcella-Khana on the other. The Astarians do not strike me as people, who would leave their personal friends without at least words of advice and comfort, which is fine by me. Where it gets complicated is, when matters of state come in.” I shrugged. “While I would not count them as hostile, I would count them as our opponents, especially in the eternal game of Hyenas which we play.”
I exhaled.
“But...”, I continued, “...if they are supporting the UIS' new intelligence service, then they will surely be wise enough to not do it openly.” I let a beat pass. “Please relay to your sister and her Government, that the Sultanate's Intelligence Agencies would be very interested in cooperating with the Kingdom's Intelligence Agencies on this matter and maybe more. How that cooperation will look has to be determined at a later date, for I know, that I would leave that to the experts.” I let beat pass. “Of course, I do not need to mention, that this is more of an informal message and that I would greatly appreciate it, if there would be no records of this.”
If I would wear glasses, I would now look at Pandereos over its rim.

Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
I smiled and nodded.
“I can imagine – and I know just the thing!”, I said and motioned for her to follow me. Leaving Sarina and Callista's (Agus', Gods, this took time) Handmaidens to their job, I led her out of the dining room.
The Altinyarat-Palace was a fully equipped Kyrenaian Palace, so it had something, which Agus surely remembered from the Palace of the Azure Hall and the state visit last year and I hoped, that this would be to her liking as well, even if it wasn't as large and opulent.
Leading her back into the entrance hall, I walked straight across it into the other wing, down a small set of stairs into a small antechamber. Aside from the door we entered through, two portals went off, closed not by massive wood, but by curtains. One had the Kyrenaian sigil for males, the other for females on it.
I grinned at Agus.
“The Hammam is always a good place to talk.”, I told her, a glint in my eyes as I added: “And if the water does not help your muscles, I can give very good massages...”
Careful, girl, it started the same way with Marcella...

Pandareos III of Mervay
Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica.
So that confirmed they did had their eyes set on them as well, unsuprising if he had to be honest. Honestly, the Sultanate and the Empire had been seen to have an complicated and tense relationship; more considering how they both played the game. The Prince nodded as he listened attentively to it; the fact almost everyone had their suspicions with the Astarians, they themselves added to the club made things... Worrying. Sure, one had to be pragmatic and all, but; the whole possibility of them behind the cracking of codes won't help their case.
As for the intelligence service... Villa will have to make a lot explanations to at least half of it's allies. An intelligence agency, well at least it make sense with the other rumours, albeit they were more focused on the wrong one in the end if they focused more on if the UIS Foreign Minister was to taken out by the Duchess, he'll have to talk with his sister about that.

"No one in their sane judgement would let themselves be on the open..." Pandareos said sighing slightly as he finished the sentence on his head. 'Unless you take a bold and unexpected approach...' He then took a glass of water and drink it's content, he does certainly need to consider that possibility if the UIS just decided to create their intelligence agency all of sudden.

Pandareos smiled at the Sultana honestly regarding that intention.

"I will make sure to rely the message to Her Majesty regarding such cooperation between our nations, of course, the experts will fine out such details as soon as it's all set in stone, completely likely considering the recent involvement of our government in the Ea-Class Cruiser Program." He smiled before raising his hands in defense at the Sultana's glare, switching to a playful and joking smile as he did that. "Of course, be assured that there won't be any recording as such request is national security to both countries, at most I will only send a message to my sister through a safe line if possible." The Prince continued respectfully, before lowering his arms to finally continue. Perhaps it was time to go to the question that might help out or just clear a doubt.

"My apologies to ask this Your Majesty, but while your official communique made it clear that it showed your side of the story; we, completely sadly, find it impossible to believe that is all that happened." Pandareos told to the wise woman in front of him, leaning foward a bit from his chair. "While we do understand Lady Villa mixed her feelings on the face of politics, I have to ask this question. Had you, or any other member there, might had said something that ticked off the Duchess to take such rushed decision? It will be appreciated if a truthful question can be given since it will help the mediation and will give us an insight of how; heated, things were there?"

Agustinas Florenze Da Mervay
Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond.
Agus followed Aurelia all the while their servants and guards left them to their own devices, wondering where Aurelia would lead her to; And then she got her answer.
After walking through the entrance hall again en route to another wing, then an pair of stairs and lastly an anterchamber which led to two portals after they passed the door which led to the Hammam. Agus sighed relieved as she heard Aurelia's explanation and how if it didn't worked, she could give her a massage and noticing the spark on her eyes, she was certainly great at massages.

"You don't know how much both would help me." She smiled warmly and grateful at the princess about. "Both ideas would help me a lot you know..." She giggled slightly before taking her hand.

"Now this time and this time I can confidently say. Let's go..." At least she won't embarass herself when entering to the female Hammam, she remembered well the sigil for females since her last visit so this time it won't end like when she almost led Aurelia to the wrong place... In her own house of all places. At least it was Aurelia's home and not hers, that would had made her cheeks get to an red tomato.

by **AHSCA** » Tue Jul 06, 2021 6:37 pm

Finally at long last the moment Marcella had been awaiting for, it was time to meet with the delegates from Mervay. From the waiting room where Yoshi had been taking care of them and keeping them occupied for a while, Sayaka poked in "Her Highness is ready for them."

"Great, please follow Sayaka here she'll escort you into her office."

Marcella stood when the delegation entered her room setting any remaining papers back into the safety of her desk drawer. "Thank you for coming, and please accept my apology for the wait, I had some other business to attend to. Now, we can begin. I'm sure you have many concerns you want to address with me. Well let me be honest, I did indeed let my temper get the best of me, and I certainly acted foolish and unbecoming. For that, I feel remorse. That said, I'm certain you're hoping I'll simply apologize to the Sultana for insulting her. I am considering it carefully, for certain. However, I feel if I'm to act, I must be ready to stand on equal footing with her. You may not be aware but when the Sultana was here and we discussed the matters we did, she was less than flattering towards us to begin with. If it was a simple matter of not seeing eye to eye I'm certain I wouldn't have behaved the way I did, but even in at least trying to show that we can offer an expanse of benefits, she simply threw that back in my face. Thus that is where we are today. I'm certain that I were to go right back now, I could save face a little bit but I doubt she'd be so willing to accept a simple apology from as she put it, the Duchess of a tiny backwater nation. She'd want something more in return. If you feel different or can speak with confidence I'm willing to listen."

by **Mokastana** » Wed Jul 07, 2021 9:28 am

Embassy for the People's Unified Federation
Embassy Isle, United Island States

Ambassador Nanami Kondo had been watching the news and events unfold in AHSCA over the past few days. Even getting copies of Kyrenaian news stories just to get a better picture of what everyone was saying. Back home, the Federal Foreign Ministry had been keen to watch, but remained neutral in the proceedings. The likelihood of this diplomatic insult becoming bloody was unlikely, so the PUF's Foreign Minister, Elizabeth Franshaw-Serain, let the Ambassador to AHSCA handle the situation. 'Send a message of support, but don't get involved unless requested' was the order given from Mokastana City. So Ambassador Nanami Kondo complied as best she could.

Still, Ambassador Kondo had lived long enough to not take shit from anyone, and the Duchess was nearly the same age as her own daughter. She would give the official PUF generic message of support, but also include a more personal message to the Duchess. After all, what could anyone do? Fire her for speaking her mind?

DO NOT SEND ELECTRONICALLY

PRIVATE DIPLOMATIC MESSAGE SENT VIA COURIER

DO NOT SEND ELECTRONICALLY

FROM: Ambassador Nanami Kondo, People's Unified Federation
TO: Duchess Marcella Villa-Nanao

MESSAGE:

Dear Duchess Villa-Nanao,

I am writing to you, based on my station as Ambassador for the People's Unified Federation, to reiterate the PUF's support of your government. The Federation will continue to support the United Island States, as we have done so for decades. The Federation supports your government's autonomy and ability to decide how it conducts its own affairs.

The above may be distributed by you to formally display the Federation's support for your nation. Following this break is a personal message from me, to do with as you wish.

For this next part, I write to you as an Anuien, former sailor, and a mother. Although Aqua Anu is no longer a sovereign nation, our love for AHSCA continues to this day. I personally served on the Kaida, a missile cruiser, during the War of Unification. It brings me great joy to see how far AHSCA has come under the leadership of the Villa-Nanao family.

While many in the international community may question your wisdom in cutting relations with a close ally over personal matters, I will say that you have earned my respect. I do not know the actual words exchanged between you and the Sultana of Kyrenaia, but my impression is that she came to your home to tell you, a Duchess, who you can and can't love, to treat you like a child, and you responded with the same level of respect. AHSCA may not have grand armies, nor economic power, to challenge others on the international stage, but you reminded the world that it's leadership has self respect, and will not be bullied around. In my personal opinion, your response was justified.

As for your heart, I can only offer my sympathies. There are no words I can offer to mend your heart. Love lifts us up beyond the sky, and yet hurts us so. I can only hope you can find comfort in friends and family. The Kondo residence will always be open to you, be it for official business or just a respite from duty. You are a beautiful young woman and someday you will be lifted up again. Until then, may you find solace in those around you.

Your friend,
Nanami Kondo

by **Mervay** » Wed Jul 07, 2021 10:36 am

Mervayan Delegation
Ducal Palace, Aurora Village
It took it's time and patience, something they had a lot of regarding the shoes Duchess Villa had to deal with so it was understandable; but, they would be lying if they didn't let a bit of relief fill them as it was their turn after a long wait, they were considering on leaving and setting themselves at the Kitan if Lady Marcella couldn't meet up with them today.
As such, the Princess, Chancellor and Ambassador got up their seats and smiled at the Duchess Handmaiden in appreciation before setting into the Duchess's Office. The three of them found Marcella setting any remaining papers away of possible prying eyes into the safety of her desk.

The delegation bowed respectfully at the head of state, polite smiles and quick dismissals of the wait at the order of the day.

"It is understandable Your Highness, the situation has required all hands on deck if you may forgive my manners." The Princess smiled, voicing the thoughts of the delegation and deciding to take their respective seats. The Chancellor nodded to the Duchess to begin signaling they were ready to hear her.

And so they did, they heard what she had to say and how she admitted to having screwed it up, how she was willing to reach for an apology; but, that was when she was on equal footing when doing so. Understandable and completely possible, yet; that wasn't what caught their eye, but rather, what she said next. The train of thought they considered and feared was the reason was the complete answer.
It was more than an tense meeting it was a verbal brawl; how did it just happened to go that way!? In fact, they already might have an general idea of which things were said, and if going by the idea of an marriage of convenience which is what it appears is the benefits Lady Villa is saying, then... It was kind of doomed to fail sadly. AHSCA was an cultural, enviriomental and strategic location to anyone who is allied with the nation, yet; it doesn't have the influence either economical, political or military of an power, it does have powerful friends that is; if they did had to give a conclusion, it would be mixed between the benefits and costs, an clear division there as it was around an 50-50. However they could say something in general agreement, the Sultana could had just phrased in an more calm way rather go with such hostility that will only be met with more hostility in reprisal. It was like they both could be blaimed by not keeping an cool head... This was going to be difficult.

The room was silent by a minute, the three representatives exchanging their looks to the other to the sudden confirmation of the fact that what it happened was close to their theory of an tense meeting. In the end, the Princess was the first one to speak.

"If I have to say, Your Highness what you told us was... Quite considerable." Circe could only sigh after saying that, the Chancellor in thought at the same time she was rubbing her eyes because of the news that their theory of how it all went was confirmed.

"Indeed, it proves a theory we held in Asteria regarding the reasons of your outburst was indeed related to something which was related to the Sultana as well..." She groaned, completely annoyed about it, she could say she was hypocrite as she had her reasons as well, but at least Jessica was completely open about them. "You and the Sultana have your fair share of the blame on this one... I just cannot fault her of having to appease the hawks that wanted something in exchange for their cooperation with unity and all; I can however, fault her from just deciding to light up the fire when she could leave it at that and we would all had been happy to deal with the personal fallout..." Even if Her Majesty would take the first chance to fly out to Utica.

Then Jessica sighed.

"Still; you were under every right to give your piece of mind albeit you had been more discret... Or just have it all under a private talk after that was over without the whole Persona Non Grata issue... I guess just anything that didn't risked that most of the world thinks war is coming or that there is a chance something similar to that archipelago on this area happens here as well..." In reference to the former Craxx Empire and how today it is a scramble for a colony there. The Ambassador and the Princess agreed with that as well, anything could had been better than this.

"Our apologies that we have to be so direct, but as you may know, Your Highness; no one is pleased with what's happening." Circe stepped in once again, making sure Marcella understood well that while they will help, they will not keep their thoughts to themselves over this.

"We will mediate between The UIS and The Sultanate, making sure that while the apology will be possible, we will also make sure she won't try and request more than what it is required." The Chancellor spoke of that while locking eye contact with the Duchess. "That includes the fact we won't support neither side on the mediations as expected of a mediator and that, we will do everything in our power that neither of you break negotiations unless necessary since it is in the interests of everyone that a peaceful resolution is achieved." She continued before letting a beat pass as the ambassador decided to add her two cents.

"Her Highness and The Chancellor will stay for the next three days in the islands on the Kitan to keep a close eye on the situation and coordinate, should you accept it, the mediation; after it, I will represent such area in the name of Her Majesty's Government as soon as they return to Mervay in order to relay key messages and as such."

by **AHSCA** » Wed Jul 07, 2021 11:36 am

Marcella nodded, the Mervayans did make good fair points to her, last thing she wanted to do was also alienate another ally so she would certainly take their words to heart. "I would welcome Mervay's mediation in this matter however they see fit, I think I made my stance plenty clear on this. If you wish to stay a while in AHSCA I shall be glad to even put you up here in the Ducal Palace, though you are welcome to stay where you please with little fuss. The Kitan is quite lovely, I agree; manager most accommodating. I don't imagine what happened in Craxx would happen here, I do feel that's not of great concern. Miladies, I appreciate your attention in this matter but I'm also not certain there's much more to discuss. Perhaps it'd be best to let us go our own separate ways, that is unless the Sultana truly demands my apology, maybe she does, maybe she doesn't, I don't know, but I'm certain the hawks among us would hope one of blinks first."

She gave a moment of silence letting a bit of sarcastic smile creep on her face "Or is there great concern about what is to become of their now smoldering remains of their old military base? Were you aware they performed a demolition so obscenely powerful the shock waves of the blast were felt around the island? Imagine how frightened many who were close enough to really feel the tremendous impact of that? To me that strikes me as a message of intimidation, a bit of saber rattling perhaps. After all a simple decommissioning rarely results in such a massive explosion, you can ask the Astarians on that how we went about dismantling any of our training outposts when we gave them the Matildas, I grantee nobody will say we went about detonating with enough force to be felt for miles around."

by **Abetton** » Wed Jul 07, 2021 2:01 pm

To: Mahmut ibn-Idris,
Prince of the Ilkhanate of Sarepta.

From: Prince Linely Latimer

Subject: RE: Letter

Encryption Level:
[] Royal (Not for public information until decreed by His Majesty)
[] State
[X] Personal
[] Open Press/Media

Good day, Your Grace

Thank you for taking time to read my message, thank you for taking time to write me back. I'm glad you could be so cordial with it and at least agree I had an idea worth hearing, even if our views may differ on the subject in the end, I still only wished to speak up, if nobody else in our Kingdom's Government wishes too. I'm glad no offense was taken in the end and as such we'll move along our ways as we always do. No doubt this is a matter bigger than us young Gentleman to deal with on our own in our positions so we'll let the chips fall where they fall.

If I may be so candid, I do certainly empathize with the Duchess, if not for the fact being a small state that's not the biggest or most powerful often comes with just being considered wallpaper by most, it's certainly no wonder things have gotten this far with her pride entangled in this situation. Abetton is certainly no power broker either, not even in the region of Greater Dienstad.

You are correct, the retraction really was not of my own will, more that of my own father who wishes to not be involved what he deems a petty squabble between nations, though between you and me, he does rather favor your Sultanate and wants to stay in good graces. As such, I certainly do as well, but I'm not yet King.

I too would enjoy meeting you in person some time, you are correct that my younger sister, Peri is due for her debut very soon, an event she's sure to want to make a real occasion to rival our youngest sister's birthday party early this year. You mentioned your sisters are also at the ready to have their debut thus I'm certain that Peri would enjoy inviting them as well, so I'll be sure to mention that to her as well.

Until then I wish you my best,

Until then, I wish you all my best,
Prince Linely Lampsea Latimer

by **Kyrenaia** » Thu Jul 08, 2021 3:23 am

(Utica Herald, 30th of June, 2021, Job Market. Not available in the Internet Edition.)

The Household of Grand Vizier Mahmut al-Zahir searches for a Handmaiden well-versed in the handling of flowers, specifically of flowers from tropical climates. The Handmaiden in question will mostly be occupied in the Greenhouses of the Darqaeidin Palace, but can, if need arises, be drafted to work in other areas of the gardens.
Payment in accordance to the tariffs, unless prior active experience can be proven. Good looks optional, but preferred.

To: Prince Linely Lampsea Latimer, Crowned Prince of Abetton.
From: Pince Mahmut ibn-Idris, Prince of the Ilkhanate of Sarepta.

Personal Correspondence.

Greetings, Prince Linely,
if I were to be honest, I agree with you on several points: The Duchess did act rashly, answering a personal situation by political means. At the same time, we aren't without fault either, as, to my understanding, the demolition of Mokastana Northeast had quite a few people worried (in our defense, though, the press release said, we would render it unusable, we did render the base unusable). That, and the Sultana could look back onto her own youth, as she was merely nineteen, when she herself was chosen as Sultana by her peers, and maybe she could remember the fire of youth in herself and cut Marcella some slack.
In the end, I believe, that cooler heads will indeed prevail, not only by the natural inclination of both Kyrenaian Politics and Politics in the UIS, but also by the mediation of Mervayans.

I, too, can comprehend how and why the Duchess has acted the way she did: She was desperate and in love, as well as desperately in love.
Both are things, which I am familiar with - granted, my circumstances were and are different and the undoing of my relationship was my own damn fault, but I know, how it is to be in love and I know, how it is, to feel that being taken from you. The anger and dispair she must feel, I can not imagine.

I would be delighted to tell my sisters of this possible debut as well - they look forwards to their debuts like you would not believe it. But then again, the debut is a very special day for a young woman, is it not?

Signed,
Mahmut ibn-Idris,
Prince of the Ilkhanate of Sarepta.

P.S.: Just because we are Young Princes and our Fathers have a lot of sway over us, it does not mean, what we can't speak our minds and stand by them, now does it? ; )

The original post.

Dear Emperor Thomas,

I want to be honest with you: I would not have come out of the pickles I have been in they way I did without my Father, without my trusty Sand Wolf Aldhiyb and without my Handmaiden Sarina. I am positive, that they will help me through these tough times as well and that my stepmother Yasmin will be right with them – in fact, they already do, as do other friends of mine.

Now, as for your question – no.
Please do not get me wrong, Marcella is a woman with a beautiful mind and soul, strong and fierce, but despite all the love I still feel for her, she is not the right woman in these trying times for the UIS.
She lacks the experience to handle the mess, that was made by both her and my Grandmother, she lacks the resources to do so effectively, she lacks the corresponding government and I fear, that right now, she chased the foxes out of the chicken coop only to let the wolves in. I pray, that she realized that before it is too late and acts accordingly, swallowing her pride.

With a kind hug,
Aurelia bint-Damir,
Princess of the Ilkhanate of Utica and Beyeha of Malakiard.

AHSCA wrote:[...]

Dear Aurelia,

I'm really sorry about the way things went with your grandmother's visit to the UIS. I really do feel foolish about my outburst and about maybe jumping the gun by ending things. You are important to me, I suspect you always will be but I guess the Heavens will not bless us so to be together. Mother told me a rather long story that I don't want to get into here that put things into perspective for me, I hope things will be the same with you. Whatever happens in the future, happens. For now, I think it is best to let the dust settle and put this behind us. I'm sorry, really sorry that I'm such a little hot head.

All my love,
Marcella

[...]

Dear Marcella,

this is it, then, isn't it? It was a beautiful dream while it lasted, but the night ends and gives way to the day and to reality for everyone.
I do not know, what I am sorry for, but I know, that I am.

Whatever happens, however: I implore you, Marcella – please swallow your pride. Ask Grandmother for forgiveness, to put it all behind you, and I promise, all will be well.

Signed,
Aurelia bint-Damir,
Princess of the Ilkhanate of Utica and Beyeha of Malakiard.

P.S.: Please give Gisella a hug from me, as well as a big kiss on her cheek.

(Sun's Review, 30th of June, 2021, Front Page, English Version available on the internet.)

UIS-Duchess tramples on broken heart!

We never made any bones about our opinion of Princess Aurelia and her relationship with Marcella-Khana – but this takes the cake!
After the messy breakup between the Duchess of the UIS and the Utican Princess, as well as the UIS and the Sultanate, and the following diplomatic crisis, Marcella-Khana sees it fit to write to her ex-girlfriend.
We all know, that Aurelia-Amira was deeply in love with the Islander, she has made no qualms about it, even after the resistance against a homosexual Princess became more and more fierce (we reported).
So, does the Duchess' letter show any of the love given to her, any of the fierce and deep love the Utican Princess showed her? Not as far as we can see!
The Islander-Khana is “really sorry” about the breakdown of everything, but that Aurelia-Amira is merely “important” to her, but sadly, the Heavens have not ordained them to be together. It would be wisest, according to her, that everything was put behind them, their entire affair.
It tells us, however, another important part of that fateful meeting between our own Old Dreadnought and the Khana: It was Marcella-Khana, who ended the meeting, ended the diplomatic relations, most likely in response to the Sultana telling her and her granddaughter, that enough was enough.
And how does Aurelia-Amira reply? We can only guess, what goes on in her heart as she wrote, in the special red ink she uses for special letters, that the beautiful dream she had with Marcella-Khana, whether she shared it or not, had given way to reality and waking world – the reality and waking world of broken hearts and a diplomatic crisis by the hands of a little hothead ruling over an insignificant speck of land. It is almost poetic, as she writes that, and she implores her ex-girlfriend to swallow her pride and apologize to the Sultana. All would be well, then.

In the meantime, we can't claim in good faith and confidence that our own Princess to be without blemish: In another personal letter, which was leaked to us, this time to Emperor Thomas of Brettenwald, she tells him, that her ex-girlfriend is not the right person for the job to handle the mess, that her government is incapable to handle the situation and that she, herself, wishes for Marcella to swallow her pride, which brought her into the mess in the first place.
In how far this discredits Marcella-Khana as the Duchess of the UIS, both internationally and in front of her own people, remains to be seen, but it is very telling, that Princess Gisella has not been spotted by our correspondent in Aurora for a few days now.

All three letters can be viewed on our website.

(Utica Herald, 1st of July, 2021, Front Page, English Version available on the internet.)

Personal Letters of Princess Aurelia bint-Damir released

Utica – Yesterday, our colleagues of the Sun's Review released a number of letters carrying the postage stamps of the Altinyarat-Palace, the Residence of the Beyeha of Malakiard, Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
These personal letters, one from her to Emperor Thomas of Brettenwald, one to her from Marcella-Khana, one from her back, were released to the newspaper by an anonymous source. While the Altinyarat-Palace has confirmed their authenticity, the letters' release comes at an inopportune moment, right in the middle of the diplomatic crisis between the Sultanate and the UIS, caused by the command of the Sultana for both to break up.
The authorities are, according to the Household Agency, scrambling to find the culprit, working closely together with the police. So far, however, there are only a few leads.
As for the content of the letters, the one of Princess Aurelia to Emperor Thomas of Brettenwald is especially interesting, mainly due to the Princess describing Marcella-Khana as “beautiful, strong and fierce”, but also as ultimately ill-equipped in handling the situation, inexperienced and lacking in the resources. Both in that letter and in her letter to Marcella-Khana herself, she expresses her hope, that the latter were to apologize.
It remains to be seen as to how Prince Damir and the Sultana will react to the revelations of these letters, as, so far, there have not been any formal reactions by the Princess' Father or the Government.

Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica.
Razia-Sultana Umm-Albilad.
As Pandereos declared, that he would do his utmost to relay the offer to his sister and her Government over a safe channel, I nodded – and yes, while we worked together with Mervay on the Ea-class (if I remember correctly, they were calling them the Rapier-class), it would only be a further step in bringing our nations closer together.
The future looked bright.
In the future, that is, because now, he was asking what happened in Aurora...
“Yes, that request is understandable.”, I replied and leaned back, “I am sure, that the Chancellor upon his visit to Aurora will ask the same thing, so hearing both sides of the story is a must for a good mediation.” I collected my thoughts and then began to tell him: “We arrived in Aurora for a state visit, reception was nice, the locals were wonderful as well... the problems started, when we came to the diplomatic part of the visit, besides the nice photographs.

I stopped for a bit, letting everything sink in.
After a minute or so of silence, I spoke again: “Questions?”
“Why aren't you apologizing?”, Pandereos asked.
It might have slipped off of his tongue, but I was willing to look past it. It was a valid question, after all.
“Because I will not apologize for telling the truth. Aside from Aurelia's happiness, and a lot of glee among my political opponents and the political opponents of my family, there would be nothing to gain for the Sultanate.”, I told Pandereos in no uncertain terms, “If the Young Khana wants to argue by politics, she should be prepared for the harsh realities of politics.” I let a beat pass. “Besides, with her outburst, Marcella committed a diplomatic and personal sleigh against me and I can not let that stand. Throwing out our embassy and closing Mokastana Northeast are just the icings on the proverbial cake.”
Pandereos seemed thoughtful.
“So, you want her to apologize for her outburst and the sleighs she committed during that outburst?”, he asked carefully.
I nodded. “For that... and for fooling my Granddaughter.”, I added, leaning forward, “I want her, kneeling in front of my throne in the Azure Hall, asking – and let me emphasize that, asking, not begging – for forgiveness. For forgiveness for her sleighs against me personally and for fooling my granddaughter.”
Pandereos might now come to realize why I was known as the Old Deadnought.
“But... why the latter part?”, he asked, confusion on his face.
I reached into a pocket and took out...

After he had read the letter of Marcella, which had been sent to Aurelia, he looked up, a question in his eyes, taking in air.
“Because no one in love will write, that they should put all behind them... and no one in love will surrender that easily.”, I said and shook my head, “Especially not a woman in love.”
This time, I was speaking from bitter experience.

Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
I smiled at Agus' joy about the idea – and led her into the women's changing room.
While the Hammam itself was mixed gender, safe for a few exceptions, the changing rooms were not. Rows of shelves with wicker baskets lined the walls, a couple of benches in the middle, a doorway leading into the first room. Each basket held a blue silk towel.
I led her in, took one basket for each of us and began to undress.
And you will now look away.
A few minutes later, our clothes safely stored in the baskets and wrapped into a silken towel, we entered the first room. The Hammam of the Altinyarat-Palace was a Cold-Hot-Warm-Style Hammam, which meant, that the first room was the cold room.
While the rooms themselves were small, especially when compared to the Hammams of the Palace of the Azure Hall, they still followed the architectural conventions. While the room itself was cold, the pool in the middle was hot, usually used for acclimatization and soaking up a bit before the Hot Room (where one would soak up steam).
I led Agus to the edge of the pool, dropped the towel and motioned for her to do the same, both of us sitting down in the hot water – it was a short shock after the cold air, but once that was over, we reclined and, in unison, let out a deep, relieved sigh.
Then we looked at each other in surprise. Agus snorted first, I burst out laughing not too long after.
The cavernous room allowed that laughter to echo a little bit along the walls decorated with mosaics, showing scenes playful fishes and other cute creatures living in the sea (though there was an octopus in one corner and an Arracht in another).
I smiled as I reclined back and looked up. The mosaic continued to the roof, where a few seagulls circled.
“It's a beautiful mosaic.”, Agus commented. I hummed in agreement. “I presume many of these fishes are endemic to Kyrenaia?”
“Not all.”, I pointed towards the large, monstrous shape of the Arracht. “This one is endemic to the Oileánra-Archipelago of the Free Lands.” I then pointed out a few other fishes and underwater creatures, which were not Kyrenaian, at least not natively. “Uncle Damir and Aunt Fara had this one commissioned for me... The Khan and Khana of Susa, that is.” I shrugged. “Many names are often repeated, which leads to confusion. I think you met his granddaughter, Princess Razia bint-Ilia, a cousin of mine.”
Agus looked down.
“I am sometimes amazed how many branches and connections other royal families have... my siblings and I, we are House Mervay. There is no one else, not even tenuous connections to the rest of the nobility.”, she said and sighed. “There are no distant uncles, who could commission such a bathroom decoration.”
I took her hand. “Sorry, Agus, I forgot.”, I told her sincerely, my thumb softly stroking her hand. I mumbled to myself: “We're both kind of alone, aren't we?”
She looked so beautiful... I was sure, that she had caught that, but she didn't seem to want to go in on that topic.
We were silent for a bit.
“Are your shoulders better?”, I asked, breaking the silence.
Agus smiled at me, not in full force, however. “A bit, yes.”, she said and nodded.
I decided something more unconsciously then anything else: “Turn your back to me.”
“What?”
“Turn your back to me.”, I said and committed to the bit, “Massages are usually done in the Hot Room, but I can give you a little preview, if you want.”
“Uh...” Agus seemed undecided, then sat down a bit further into the shallow pool, turning her back to me. She seemed a bit hesitant, especially when she added: “But only the shoulders, please. I want to show you a few tricks I have myself, after all...”
I smiled and nodded, confirming playfully: “Only the shoulders, understood, Your Royal Highness.”
If Agus had anything to say about that, it went under in what could only be described as mind-melting pleasure, as I began kneading her shoulders. Sitting behind her, I could only do that, placing my hands on the sides of her spine on the upper part of her shoulderblades and began to knead with my thumbs, slow, in small circles.
Gods, she was wound tight...
I slowly made my circles, removing any stress I found with ease and, once I knew, I was finished, I added a few circles for good measure – her skin felt nice, supple soft... Once finished, I wrapped my arms around her from behind, a friendly hug, loosely, so that she could liberate herself easily, should she so desire, and whispered into her ear: “Was that preview to your liking?”
I grinned.

by **Mervay** » Thu Jul 08, 2021 9:58 pm

Mervayan Delegation
Ducal Palace, Aurora Village
"We appreciate the offer Your Highness, but we won't be staying for too long and the Chancellor has told me the resort is quite lovely as well." Ariadna smiled all the while she added to herself how the woman besides her on the left was completely also keen on other personal reasons as well.

The rest of the situation was certainly something they wished to keep an eye, but they did also knew she had a point; it would take nothing short of an disaster for a war to break out. An apology will be required, and that's where this whole issue will lie, either Marcella Villa keeps her head up against the current situation and rival, or does she steps back and takes a decision that would save face for everyone involved? After all she's saying there's nothing to discuss, when there's a lot in stake strategically and politically speaking to all involved if not on foreign politics, then national ones.
Shock was expected by the sarcastic smile of a woman which didn't seem to be that way on their eyes, this situation letting out, or what appeared to be letting out, an cynical side. Clearly believing the possibility of an intimidation tactic by the whole fireworks show they were also felt in the Embassy Isle; Embassy personnel was forced to take shelter by the magnitude since it felt like an earthquake, the sensors warned of the magnitude and it was after five minutes that the false alarm was discovered.

The Chancellor spoke after that, an smile that was polite, yet it was easily able to feel that she wasn't pleased with any of this.

"I will admit that it is more than possible an apology and compensation will be what the Kyrenaian Government will want during the mediation, however, please take in mind we will also make sure that they won't exceed the certain guidelines that could be established." She looked at the Duchess to eyes. "It is on our interests and of everyone else that an agreement is found between the two parties and not an humilliation; what happened on that base could either be an message or the only other way they had to do a quick dismantling of the base, please bear in mind Your Highness that considering the current climate and the scramble over who will take the land, it is possible that they could had also done it to complicate whoever will be the new owner of that leased land." And they did had a possible candidate of which nation that could had been targeted if that was the idea.

Then she just sighed, shaking her head as she decided to just confess her reason at least.

"I will admit that I also have a personal reason as well about why I want this to solve on a peaceful manner, Lady Marcella." The Chancellor, no, Jessica spoke; her gaze softening as she did. "You are surely well briefed that my daughter is married to an Islander, my daughter in law; how they are also citzens of our nations and how I value the lives of them. Those two are everything to me like my husband is to as well." An smile begun to form in her lips as she kept on.

"Ever since she married that girl, my daughter has been enjoying with the highs and lows one might expect of an long distance relationship to be part of the story of the woman she loves, we welcomed her with open arms to our family and we are glad they can be happy together either here or in Mervay." A beat passed as tension filled her, that moment she moved on very well and how she feared if it would repeat here.

"I fear for their safety should this whole debacle continue Your Highness. I know well there are memories she would rather forget and those are of a woman on bedridden that many thought wouldn't make it..." That was something she didn't wanted to continue, the whole point already established. "The point is Lady Marcella, that I hope you understand well the implications this could have to even those that aren't part of this scandal between you and The Sultana, war won't happen, that is a point established. Yet, in your opinion what would happen if this spiral out the grasp of everyone? What would be the consequences of a bad move if this falls into something one does not want to imagine? This will have consequences Your Highness; we are yet to see how far reaching and harsh will they be..."

Tess Dileva-Fujimiya
Aurora Village
Tea had always helped to calm your nerves on the worst moments, now, she just really needed it after having such breakdown. For sure it wasn't her greatest moment, but with all this mess, who could blame her? After all, for Tess Catherine Dileva (and now Fujimiya as well) who would had thought the worst case scenario would be possible, sure, she understood they had to leave; but, couldn't they had asked for an extension rather than blow the whole base?? It would had at least saved everyone the worry and wouldn't made theories of what could follow rise from that madness.
Yet even with that, she was set keen on staying for her wife's sake until things were truly dangerous; she didn't wanted a false alarm to have everything up and down, not now...

She just sighed.

"Sorry for the outburst sweetie, it's just those are memories I would rather forget." She sighed, it was indeed something no one on her family wanted to deal with again. "To think they would surface now of all times... Anyway. You understood well my reasons to not leave just yet, right?"

Kyrenaia wrote:Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica.
Razia-Sultana Umm-Albilad.
As Pandereos declared, that he would do his utmost to relay the offer to his sister and her Government over a safe channel, I nodded – and yes, while we worked together with Mervay on the Ea-class (if I remember correctly, they were calling them the Rapier-class), it would only be a further step in bringing our nations closer together.
The future looked bright.
In the future, that is, because now, he was asking what happened in Aurora...
“Yes, that request is understandable.”, I replied and leaned back, “I am sure, that the Chancellor upon his visit to Aurora will ask the same thing, so hearing both sides of the story is a must for a good mediation.” I collected my thoughts and then began to tell him: “We arrived in Aurora for a state visit, reception was nice, the locals were wonderful as well... the problems started, when we came to the diplomatic part of the visit, besides the nice photographs.
I had come fully intending to end the relationship between my Granddaughter Aurelia and Duchess Marcella. You are surely aware of the grumbling that relationship has caused in Kyrenaia and while I personally saw this entire matter as more of a fling then something serious, these grumblings were getting louder and louder. Add in the difficulties this country faces in the light of the COVID-19 Pandemic, and I needed to close one source of my woes.
I offered the two, that they can stay friends for all I care, but that was not enough for Marcella-Khana. She told me, that she had been planning on marrying Aurelia sometime soon. I know, that there were similar plans by my granddaughter, who wished to wait until the Law of Marriage had been changed, so that the two could marry by Madokan, Kyrenaian and Selkie Rites.
She tried to play the game of telling of the great advantages an alliance by marriage between our two nations would bring, of the advantages of having a reliable partner in her region, among many powerful friends, which would give us a lot of influence – I confronted her with the harsh reality of her country's situation, both in the world and in her area, Greater Dienstad. I told her, that while the UIS is a beautiful and culturally rich place, it does not command the respect and influence she claims the nation has.
The last few days have proven, that this is the case.
Among the two of us, I know, that the UIS is considered a poor backwater within Greater Dienstad. Some nations in the world, to my understanding, even consider them a developing country.
I then confronted her with other issues I had with the relationship between the two – that it was, by my people's standards, simply improper and for many even a sin. That the grumblings were undermining the authority of the House of Utica, thus of the Sultana and that a house divided can not stand and it can not stand under a Sultana, who can't keep her own family in line.
I also told her, that I could see advantages in such a union... were she not the Duchess of the UIS and of House Villa.
This made her fly off the handle. She called me an old hag, told me, that, were I not a foreign head of state, she would have me imprisoned for that, and threw us out.”
I stopped for a bit, letting everything sink in.
After a minute or so of silence, I spoke again: “Questions?”
“Why aren't you apologizing?”, Pandereos asked.
It might have slipped off of his tongue, but I was willing to look past it. It was a valid question, after all.
“Because I will not apologize for telling the truth. Aside from Aurelia's happiness, and a lot of glee among my political opponents and the political opponents of my family, there would be nothing to gain for the Sultanate.”, I told Pandereos in no uncertain terms, “If the Young Khana wants to argue by politics, she should be prepared for the harsh realities of politics.” I let a beat pass. “Besides, with her outburst, Marcella committed a diplomatic and personal sleigh against me and I can not let that stand. Throwing out our embassy and closing Mokastana Northeast are just the icings on the proverbial cake.”
Pandereos seemed thoughtful.
“So, you want her to apologize for her outburst and the sleighs she committed during that outburst?”, he asked carefully.
I nodded. “For that... and for fooling my Granddaughter.”, I added, leaning forward, “I want her, kneeling in front of my throne in the Azure Hall, asking – and let me emphasize that, asking, not begging – for forgiveness. For forgiveness for her sleighs against me personally and for fooling my granddaughter.”
Pandereos might now come to realize why I was known as the Old Deadnought.
“But... why the latter part?”, he asked, confusion on his face.
I reached into a pocket and took out... a sheet
AHSCA wrote:[...]

Dear Aurelia,

I'm really sorry about the way things went with your grandmother's visit to the UIS. I really do feel foolish about my outburst and about maybe jumping the gun by ending things. You are important to me, I suspect you always will be but I guess the Heavens will not bless us so to be together. Mother told me a rather long story that I don't want to get into here that put things into perspective for me, I hope things will be the same with you. Whatever happens in the future, happens. For now, I think it is best to let the dust settle and put this behind us. I'm sorry, really sorry that I'm such a little hot head.

All my love,
Marcella

[...]

After he had read the letter of Marcella, which had been sent to Aurelia, he looked up, a question in his eyes, taking in air.
“Because no one in love will write, that they should put all behind them... and no one in love will surrender that easily.”, I said and shook my head, “Especially not a woman in love.”
This time, I was speaking from bitter experience.

Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
I smiled at Agus' joy about the idea – and led her into the women's changing room.
While the Hammam itself was mixed gender, safe for a few exceptions, the changing rooms were not. Rows of shelves with wicker baskets lined the walls, a couple of benches in the middle, a doorway leading into the first room. Each basket held a blue silk towel.
I led her in, took one basket for each of us and began to undress.
And you will now look away.
A few minutes later, our clothes safely stored in the baskets and wrapped into a silken towel, we entered the first room. The Hammam of the Altinyarat-Palace was a Cold-Hot-Warm-Style Hammam, which meant, that the first room was the cold room.
While the rooms themselves were small, especially when compared to the Hammams of the Palace of the Azure Hall, they still followed the architectural conventions. While the room itself was cold, the pool in the middle was hot, usually used for acclimatization and soaking up a bit before the Hot Room (where one would soak up steam).
I led Agus to the edge of the pool, dropped the towel and motioned for her to do the same, both of us sitting down in the hot water – it was a short shock after the cold air, but once that was over, we reclined and, in unison, let out a deep, relieved sigh.
Then we looked at each other in surprise. Agus snorted first, I burst out laughing not too long after.
The cavernous room allowed that laughter to echo a little bit along the walls decorated with mosaics, showing scenes playful fishes and other cute creatures living in the sea (though there was an octopus in one corner and an Arracht in another).
I smiled as I reclined back and looked up. The mosaic continued to the roof, where a few seagulls circled.
“It's a beautiful mosaic.”, Agus commented. I hummed in agreement. “I presume many of these fishes are endemic to Kyrenaia?”
“Not all.”, I pointed towards the large, monstrous shape of the Arracht. “This one is endemic to the Oileánra-Archipelago of the Free Lands.” I then pointed out a few other fishes and underwater creatures, which were not Kyrenaian, at least not natively. “Uncle Damir and Aunt Fara had this one commissioned for me... The Khan and Khana of Susa, that is.” I shrugged. “Many names are often repeated, which leads to confusion. I think you met his granddaughter, Princess Razia bint-Ilia, a cousin of mine.”
Agus looked down.
“I am sometimes amazed how many branches and connections other royal families have... my siblings and I, we are House Mervay. There is no one else, not even tenuous connections to the rest of the nobility.”, she said and sighed. “There are no distant uncles, who could commission such a bathroom decoration.”
I took her hand. “Sorry, Agus, I forgot.”, I told her sincerely, my thumb softly stroking her hand. I mumbled to myself: “We're both kind of alone, aren't we?”
She looked so beautiful... I was sure, that she had caught that, but she didn't seem to want to go in on that topic.
We were silent for a bit.
“Are your shoulders better?”, I asked, breaking the silence.
Agus smiled at me, not in full force, however. “A bit, yes.”, she said and nodded.
I decided something more unconsciously then anything else: “Turn your back to me.”
“What?”
“Turn your back to me.”, I said and committed to the bit, “Massages are usually done in the Hot Room, but I can give you a little preview, if you want.”
“Uh...” Agus seemed undecided, then sat down a bit further into the shallow pool, turning her back to me. She seemed a bit hesitant, especially when she added: “But only the shoulders, please. I want to show you a few tricks I have myself, after all...”
I smiled and nodded, confirming playfully: “Only the shoulders, understood, Your Royal Highness.”
If Agus had anything to say about that, it went under in what could only be described as mind-melting pleasure, as I began kneading her shoulders. Sitting behind her, I could only do that, placing my hands on the sides of her spine on the upper part of her shoulderblades and began to knead with my thumbs, slow, in small circles.
Gods, she was wound tight...
I slowly made my circles, removing any stress I found with ease and, once I knew, I was finished, I added a few circles for good measure – her skin felt nice, supple soft... Once finished, I wrapped my arms around her from behind, a friendly hug, loosely, so that she could liberate herself easily, should she so desire, and whispered into her ear: “Was that preview to your liking?”
I grinned.

Pandareos III of Mervay
Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica
He was not expecting that, Luciano wasn't expecting it at all. That letter was just... Dear god. What did Marcella Villa just did was; wow. Yet, he had the feeling this wasn't the whole story behind the letters, like if it remained something else to see and that was... Aurelia's reaction. Yet, he knew why The Old Dreaghnout (which he now knows why is she called like that) would say something like that; he knew that a person in love wouldn't give in so easily and he was witness of that and knew people of that style; and he also knew how Aurelia Bint-Damir risked everything for Marcella. Only for the letter to show that she just gave up, that this fight was lost and that... They should move on.
He would consider it anti-climatic, yes; but also an insult and without a doubt as he inherited the same passion and love his sisters had, he would had said the same and yelled to not give up the fight and only give up when nothing more can be done to cry when it's all over.

"I know... How that feels." He sighed, he knew it well. "My older sister, my twin, suffered the same as Princess Aurelia did like that, the person she loved broke up with her; he just told her to leave it all behind. Heh, like if that was easy..." The nerve of him; he personally went to give him a piece of his mind to that bastard and he wasn't the only one. The Prince might had never felt it personally, but he did witnessed it and was hit as well.

"To think that would be all what she had to say... Weren't they close to marry each other? Because if so and this is how one will react to the heartbreak, either she moved on easily at the cost of the heartche one will suffer when the time comes for an look in-depth; or. It was clear that the relationship might had been going south because of the struggles, like, like a desperate chance to turn it around and just be met by the Iceberg." His arms crossed as his eyes looked aside, the prince leaned on the chair as he said the next thing. "Yourself, being their greatest obstacle besides the whispers..." They whisper behind your back so you have to scream, an struggle and never ending game.

Silence filled him as the prince tried to find anything else to say, then he just decided to sigh before looking at The Sultana.

"Be assured we will mediate Your Majesty, but we will make sure both nations meet as equals and that neither try to turn the chance for an agreement for the humilliation of the other; we can only think of the national consequences and may someone forbid they extend internationally as well..." His gaze softened as he was to say something that could be tense. "As for Your Granddaughter, the best you could do besides that is perhaps give her the choice, it was their relationship after all, they have the right to end in another way than the one you propose; besides, I don't imagine she will be happy to hear you got involved in a battle of hers, not with all that happened and the, possible tensions that may linger from your involvement in breaking the relationship. I may be young Lady Razia, but I know well that this something she must solve to give any real clousure and it would at least make the road between you and your granddaughter easier to finally amend whatever damage your relationship suffered with her."

Agustinas Florenze Da Mervay
Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond
The subject of her relationship with the other families, friendship was what lied on it and that was the most; no family history nor branching, just them, and only them. No distant family or nothing, it was only them and her parents that remained; their grandparents from both sides sadly passed away a while ago and both of their parents were single childs so the idea of uncles was out of the question as well.
It was kind of truth, deep down she knew Aurelia was right, they were kind of alone. Lonely on top for her case.
Still that was one of the many subjects her mind was focused while the talk with Aurelia went and how she reacted a bit shy and undecided at the request of the Princess, her other thought was all regarding how beautiful Aurelia is and how much she heartche she had, perhaps someone would finally give her that warm ending she deserved and that one person would finally appear; yet, the thought made her heart throb faster, she pushed aside the feeling as she tried to not think about, it was rushed to think of that yet and she was her friend!

Of course that was thrown out the window as soon as the Princess begun to massage her, it was very pleasuring and something she really needed after all; Aurelia was certainly great at this like she said, the best thing was that this was a preview, so if she was calming her now then the main event would certainly make like if the whole problem will entirely pass away. She could also add how soft and gentle was Aurelia with her skin as well, it was all indeed mind-melting.
She then felt the Princess hugging her from behind all the while whispering into her ear if she liked it, it all startled her and made her heart beat even faster than it was already while her cheeks went red as a tomato; but, in a manner of a second and in a quick switch, she let out a teasing smile while a chuckle escaped her mouth, her blush dissapearing in a quick second or hiding it very well.

"Well I can say that you indeed are an expert and that the preview was excellent to say the least." She smiled, looking at her friend to the eyes as a hand carssed her cheek. "I will look foward to the main massage." She grinned before and almost got off the hug, before she decided against it. It felt, nice. She might had wanted to tease her friend, yet, the hug felt comfortable and enjoyable.

"You know... Part of me would had wished for me to come and visit you without having to use the pretense of an state meeting and just see you, as my friend and not with the whole formalities one might encounter, plus work has been stressing and while most matters are handled by the rest of government, the Premiership, Cabinet, Parliament and the whole system; when I got into something, I got deep on it or I had the public acts because of this being electoral year or even college to deal with, and I'm not joking in the last part you know?" That was another part she had as well, even if she begun college four years ago, but considering she wanted an PhD and so, she wanted to work hard and do it all right, without the pretences of her title giving her favouritism (Even if that was impossible and illegal by law).

"So, the fact this was the closest I could get makes me glad of that, yet sad that it had to be under such circunstances." Agus just sighed bittersweetly at the fact of why was her visit. "But I decided to come no matter what, to help you out and give you a shoulder to lean on now that you may as well be in need of Aurelia, you know what those who are considered close do for their friends, family or loved ones." She kept looking into her eyes as she kept caressing her.

"You know well that you can vent out on me you know, if that does help you then I will be glad to..."

by **Brettenwald** » Fri Jul 09, 2021 8:52 pm

"Oh, son of a bitch." His Majesty angrily reread the front page of the Sun's Review before slapping it down on his desk in irritation and sighing. "I mean, do these people have no respect at all? If someone wrote that about any of my children I'd be on his doorstep with a shotgun." He wasn't speaking to anyone but himself- with the exception of Maja, the Crown Prince's Rottweiler, curled up in a sunbeam on his office's antique Persian rug as she cocked her head to one side and gave him an inquisitive look. "Then again, maybe I'm more like my father than I want to be. I never did do anything about the lese-majeste laws other than order the Crown to stop prosecuting cases involving their violation so that's probably why the press here doesn't... what the hell am I doing?" He chuckled quietly to himself. "Talking with my son's dog. I must be going spare."

To: Prince Damir ibn-Razia, Rajalkim, Bey of Mawjayi and Khalsamak
Security level: Epsilon
Subject to Gov't Transparency Act 1997: No

Your Highness,

Thank you very much for your kind words and advice. The coming few weeks will be... to describe them as trying sounds like an understatement, but it is the best word that comes to hand. Perhaps the reaction in the media will be milder than I fear. Our news organizations seem to labor still under the delusion that I am my father and he had a rather low tolerance for dissent or criticism, so their institutional trauma may work in the Crown's favor. No day goes by during which I do not wish my late wife were still alive, but this is a period in which Arabella's advice and maternal warmth would have been worth more than their weight in gold to myself and Marco; mercifully my daughter Helena seems to have inherited her even temper and wisdom. Thank the gods one of my children did. I am flattered to hear that Aurelia likes me. I truly respect her, your daughter has been through things nobody should have to go through at her age. Marco is hardly the son that I expected I would have and mercifully he is not the son I feared I would have (that dishonor would go to a son like my older brother Alerik, a man whose only overall contributions to his country were having the decency to pay his gambling debts and die), but I am nevertheless greatly proud of him. As for your daughter and my son, should she look behind the flashy car, the mercurial temperament, and maybe a certain vanity in dress & grooming she will find a genuinely kind and generous young man with a heart of gold to whom life has occasionally dealt a very bad hand of cards. Draw your own conclusions as you will.

Respectfully yours,
Thomas Cärrino, Emperor

P.S. He asked me to send you his regards as well, and seemed to find some comfort in your remark about being afraid.

A Messy Breakup (Private)

@Mervay

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